"Dear Tom, I am happy I met you again last summer. Your energy and young spirit will always be an example. Fai buon viaggio! "
In loving memory of
Thomas Allen Leone
July 19, 1949 - February 11, 2023
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 a 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.
Tributes
"I was so happy to have met Tom, Tom was a gentle and good man I remember when he came to Dublin it was such a happy time Tom was always asking questions and interested in Dublin city Tom was so considerate, one in a million, I will always remember Tom rest in peace Tom "
"Sentite condoglianze ad Angelica e a tutta la famigli, un abbraccio, Luca e Miriam"
"One thing I learned from Tom, and I regret I did not ever tell him, is the importance of showing up, BEing there for someone when it it feels important to be there. Although Tom had not been married to Mary Orlicki for a long time, at the time she died, He was there in the hospice. And for several days before that. And when Mary married her second husband Paul, Tom was at the wedding. He was really there throughout the years as a father to Angelica too. Tom amazed me as a tree trimmer/ taking down trees. He could climb to the top of a tree so fast, in no time, like a monkey. It scared me just seeing him so high! Tom was always very health conscious, and he had a big heart. He will be missed."
"Ho avuto la fortuna ed il piacere di averti conosciuto, anche se soltanto per un giorno...una sera...ma tanto mi è bastato per capire che eri una persona speciale. Nella semplicità della tua stravaganza, nella calma della tua esuberanza, nella disinvoltura della tua timidezza. Ciao Tom, fai buon viaggio. Un abbraccio ad Angelica e a tutta la famiglia."
"Tom, you are missed. A mentor. A great friend. Always diligent and loving to most you encountered. Tom left me with a great story of determination. I was working with Tom on the removal of a large tree...often when we did it was late in the day. Hard work rarely brought disengagement from the task. I was the rope man. Tom climbs the ladder. It was misty but not raining. Tom used a small chain saw to cut with when climbing. On this day, his last cut went partially though the limb, while misjudging the swing letting the limb down slowly. Before dropping it rested but temporarily on a 440-power wire. I supposed that having been shocked by the line, Toms hand clench therefore severing the branch and breaking the circuit. He climbed fast down the tall ladder seemingly taking no time to reach ground before saying along the way " electrocution, electrocution." He was still concerned with my coping with this near tragic episode. Tom, I find to this day a level of comfort knowing that you are now cared for. Your tirelessness has come to an end. Rest well my dear friend."
"Tom was gentle and present from the first time I met him, many years ago, until the last time I saw him this past November. The last think he said to me was can I help you....and I said Yes! That is so thoughtful! He was a good guy, I miss him."
"Sentite condoglianze a tutta la famiglia per la perdita improvvisa di Thomas. Un abbraccio. Alessio e Daniela"