Joseph Bernard Leone, 87, of Lewiston NY, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 25, 2012 surrounded by his loving family under the care of Niagara Hospice and four loving aides. Born in Niagara Falls NY, Joseph was the son of the late John and Agnes (Paglia) Leone.

Joe was a lifelong resident of the Niagara Falls, NY area and currently resided in Lewiston, NY. He attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1942. Joseph continued his education at Niagara University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree and later earned a Master's Degree at the University of Buffalo. Joe began a career as a chemist while working at the Olin Matheson Chemical Corp in Niagara Falls He subsequently changed his profession to education and became a teacher for the Niagara Falls School District and later for the Williamsville Central School District. He retired as an educator from Williamsville South High School in 1985.

During World War II, Joseph served in the United States Army, with the 114th Infantry from December 15, 1942 until his honorable discharge on August 6, 1945. After being wounded in the line of duty while stationed in France, he became the recipient of a Purple Heart Award and a Bronze Star. Joe looked forward to annual trips to various sites around the country to attend his army reunion, where he met with and reminisced with many of his army buddies.

Joseph was a devoted parishioner of St. Peter's Church in Lewiston for the past 52 years, as well as a longtime member of their Holy Name Society. He also volunteered as a Bingo worker for the church. For many years Joe served as a science fair judge throughout Niagara and Erie county schools. But most of all, Joe's main hobby and greatest pleasure was spending time with his family and friends and hitting a few golf balls now and then.

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Marie (DeLeo) Leone, who he married on November 20, 1948 at the former Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Niagara Falls, NY. He also leaves three daughters Lynette Leone of Rochester, NY; Lisbeth (Stephen) Adams of Grand Island, NY and Lesley (Ira) Lapidus of Tonawanda, NY; three grandsons David Lapidus, Zachary Adams and Daniel Lapidus, two sisters-in-law Geraldine (late Richard) Drasch of Rochester, NY and Marie (late Leonard) Leone of Palatine, IL and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Joseph was predeceased by twin brothers Leonard Leone and John L. Leone.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 – 8 p.m. at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday March 30th at 11 a.m. in St. Peter's Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY with Rev. Michael Zuffoletto officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment with Military Honors will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. The family gratefully declines flowers. Memorial donations may be made to the Scleroderma Foundation, Tri-State Chapter, 59 Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13905-1701 or to a charity of one's choice.