Thomas Allen Leone

Thomas (Tom) Allen Leone died suddenly in his home on February 11, 2023 at age 73. He is remembered by his friends and family for his kind heart, helping nature, inspiring art projects, and lively conversations. Tom was born on July 19, 1949 to Gerry and Joan Nester Leone (deceased). He was the older brother to his seven sisters-Mary Cantwell, Denise Cleary, Melinda Campbell (Andrew), Cynthia Pickford, Joan Bayer (Chuck), Alicia Peters (Robert), and Corinne Leone (deceased). He was the proud father of Angelica Leone, who lives in Italy and is engaged to Marco; he recently returned from a wonderful trip to visit them. Tommy was also a beloved uncle to 18 nieces and nephews. He generously attended many of their life events and encouraged them along their paths. And of course, he was a dear friend to many. Tom made his mark all over Michigan. Born in Ann Abor, he grew up in Grosse Pointe and Detroit. His early education was at St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic School, later graduating from Austin Catholic Prepatory School in the class of 1967. Although Tom had received a full scholarship to the Kendall School of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, he decided to pursue...[more]

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liberal arts education at Michigan State University. While at MSU he worked as a photographer for the State News for several years, an archeological research assistant in Fort Michilimackinac, water boy on the MSU football team, basso profondo glee club member and an organizer of the Free University, among other activities. Tom had a great interest in health. With high hopes to try to live to at least 120 years, he was always trying the latest concoction or product. In his youth, he learned Judo and also practiced yoga. He was an enthusiastic patron of the Ceragem center formerly in Lansing. He enjoyed skateboarding and jumping on trampolines even late in his life. He was a participant at Hare Krishna events in Lansing and Detroit. He also served as a volunteer for the Common Ground music festival for many years. He enjoyed attending the annual Veg Fest. He loved creating sparkly whimsical sculptures and colorful posters with clever sayings, and allegedly had the largest year-round display of Christmas ornaments outside of Bronner's in Frankenmuth. He had a silly side. During a break on family vacations, he could easily be found talking to the cows along a country road with a deep "moo". He played the kazoo and had a smile-inducing Donald Duck impression. Upon answering the phone, he answered the call with "Ding Dong" or "Cowabunga" and ended the conversation with "Adios", always upbeat and cheerful. Tom preferred the old school approach in interacting with others - simply talking in person rather than using a computer or cellphone. He was pleased to have met numerous famous people, including John Lennon, Magic Johnson, Jack Kevorkian, Dick Gregory, Coretta Scott King, and Swami Prabhupada, among others. But Tom loved engaging all of us in conversation-no one was a stranger to him. Our beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend will be dearly missed. May his soul rest in peace. Adios, Tom. We love you. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 22nd from 4-8pm at Chas. Verheyden, Inc., 16300 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Park. Funeral Thursday, February 23rd; Instate 9:30am until the time of Mass, 10:00am at St Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Farms. Interment at Mt. Elliott Cemetery, Detroit.