HERKIMER – Lucian Anthony Leone passed away peacefully on February 17, 2025, at the Abraham House in Rome, NY; he was 101 years old. ‘Poppi’, as he was known to family and friends, will be remembered for his love and commitment to his family, his sense of humor and his generosity to friends and community.
He was born on March 12, 1923, graduated from Utica Free Academy High School and went on to study at the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy. After his first year of college, he enlisted in the US Navy. As a naval officer in WWII, he studied at Columbia University to become a Navigator on the U.S.S. Woodford KA86 in the Pacific theater, where he earned a Star Victory medal. Following his military service, he graduated from Syracuse University and completed Graduate study at Colgate University thru the National Science Foundation for Teachers.
Lucian’s love of science and math led him to be a teacher in the Clinton School System, followed by 20 years in the Herkimer Central School System where he retired as the Business Administrator in 1984. A life-long learner, Lucian took college courses at Herkimer College into his 80s.
His love of the Arts led him to be a founder of the Herkimer County Arts Counsel, while his love of Running inspired him to be Chair of the American Heart Association Run/Walk events for many years. He loved running well into his 80’s, participating in many local events, his hometown favorites being the Adam Helmer Run and the Utica Boilermaker. He also had passions for gardening, mushrooming, geology, cross-country skiing, music (listening and playing piano), cooking and winemaking …aways with dear friends and family, and always with laughter and joy.
On October 11, 1947, Lucian married the former Catherine (Kate) Fazio of Herkimer. They shared a loving and devoted union until her passing on January 7, 1990. Lucian was also predeceased by his parents, Lucian and Rose (George) Leone, his brother Frank Leone and his sisters Mary Leone, Ann Leone Moracco, Rose Leone Thomas and Rita Leone Scalise, and his son Joseph D. Leone.
Surviving Lucian are his son Lucian A. Leone of Larchmont, NY, and two daughters Catherine R. Orr of Herkimer, NY and Mary Lourdes Young and her husband Steve of Portland, OR; 9 grandchildren, Christin Orr and her partner Tom Belden of Queensbury, NY, Nicholas Leone of NY, NY, Alexis Potyrala and her husband Josh of Clifton Park, NY, Catherine Young and her husband Norman Huynh of Bozeman, MT, Maria Young and her husband Jonny Caldow of NY, NY, Heidy Young of NY, NY, and Suzanne, Stephen, and Charissa Leone of Maine; 3 great-grandchildren: Sophia and Olivia Potyrala, daughters of Alexis and Josh Potyrala, and Romeo Young, son of Catherine Young and Norman Huynh, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Lucian’s later years were spent with his partner and companion Nancy Zinc White.
A funeral mass will be held at Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church in Herkimer on May 2, 2025, at 10:00 am, followed by a celebration of Lucian’s life. His burial with full military honors will be at the family plot, Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, New York. There are no calling hours.
Expressions of sympathy may be made via a memorial donation to the Abraham House, 1203 Kemble Street, Utica, NY 13501, or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Oneida and Herkimer Counties (www.hospicecareinc.org).
Further details will be available closer to the service, all arrangements having been entrusted to The Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street in Herkimer, New York. (315) 866-1011. This obituary for Lucian will appear in the Herkimer Times Telegram and the Utica Observer Dispatch. It can also be accessed by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.