Frederick Leone

Frederick Leone (92), formerly of 731 Washington Avenue, died Sunday, February 12, 2017, at his home in Portland with his family by his side.  He was born in Portland May 13, 1924, the son of Loretto and Mary (Tomasso) Leone.

Fred lived his entire life in Portland and graduated from Portland High School in 1942. He graduated in 1943 with the second class of Maine Maritime Academy, and immediately began serving as an officer on Liberty Ships during World War II, crossing the Atlantic many times while bringing supplies to the troops.

In 1944, he met Beth MacWilliam – the love of his life. They were married October 13, 1945, and spent the next 71 years together.

Freddie worked as an agent and sales manager for Prudential Insurance for more than 28 years. He retired in 1987. He was a former president of the Southern Maine Association of Life Underwriters, and, in 1982, received the J. Putnam Stevens Award from the Maine Association of Life Underwriters for his charitable work.  He was a member of the Portland Lodge of Elks No. 188, and served as Exalted Ruler of the Lodge and as a District Deputy for Maine. He was active in the Lodge’s charitable work for decades and, by involving his 2 young sons in the distribution of Christmas food baskets to those in need, he taught them compassion and charity.  Fred was also a life member of the Italian Heritage Club.  In the 1960’s, he began volunteering as an umpire for Little League 7 in East Deering and called balls and strikes for over 10 years.

Following his retirement, Fred and Beth performed volunteer services at St. Joseph’s Manor and continued their volunteer work until they reached their mid-80’s. They also traveled across America many times with their closest friends - Dottie, Ellie, and Monte - for more than 10 years, and enjoyed spending February in Florida while visiting family and playing golf.

Fred was pre-deceased by his parents and 3 sisters – Dolly Naimo; Philomena Wieske, and Gloria Negrini – and by Philomena’s husband, Bob, and several nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his loving wife, Beth; his 2 sons, Fred Jr. (“Rick”), Florida, and Larry, Connecticut; his daughter-in-law, Karen, Florida; his 2 grandsons, Joseph (and his wife, Leona), Florida, and Andrew (and his wife, Shari), Minnesota; 5 great grandchildren – Justina; Jaycie; Dominic; Zoë, and Brianna, and great great grandson, Cameron. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews – Richard Wasson; Diane Todd; Jack Riley; Bill Reynolds; Kendall Weyl; Karen Lister; Joan Matsalia; Susan Busby, and Sandra Negrini (Sandy grew up in the family home on Washington Avenue and related to Fred more as a father than as an uncle.)

The family would like to thank VNA Life Stages and Hospice workers for their kindnesses during Fred’s final months. Other thanks go to Dr. Sarah Ketchum and Dr. Michael Ciampi for their compassionate medical care over the years.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to either the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, Maine 04102, or the Maine Chapter of Make-A-Wish Foundation, 477 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04101.

Visiting hours will be on Friday, February 17, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at A. T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland, Saturday, February 18, at 11 a.m. A reception to celebrate Fred’s life will follow at Parker’s Restaurant, 1349 Washington Avenue, Portland.

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