Joseph Michael Leone

Joseph “Joe” Michael Leone, age 86, of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Erie on January 29, 1940, Joe was the son of the late Michael and Edith Leone. He proudly served in the United States Army Reserve and carried with him the discipline, steadiness, and sense of responsibility that defined so much of his life.

Joe spent much of his life in the Erie community, while also living for a time in Phoenix, Arizona. His professional path included working for General Electric in Syracuse, where he met Catherine, the woman who would become his devoted wife. He later built a respected career as a controller, a role well suited to his sharp mind, careful precision, quiet discipline, and strong work ethic.

Beyond his professional life, Joe was a man of wit, routine, simple pleasures, and deep devotion to his family. He loved keeping his mind active, whether through crossword puzzles, Wordle, Connections, a good book, or a game of cards. An avid bowler, he later found friendship, competition, and camaraderie through his senior bowling league.

Joe also knew how to enjoy life’s smaller comforts. He could often be found relaxing with a fine cigar and a glass of Grand Marnier, sharing a story, or making those around him laugh with one of his endless Dad Jokes. His humor was steady, familiar, and unmistakably his.

Above all, Joe was a source of encouragement and strength to the people he loved. He believed in perseverance and passed that belief on with one of his most memorable reminders: “We don’t say can’t in this family.” It was more than a saying. It was one of the ways he taught those around him to keep going, try again, and believe they were capable of more than they realized.

One of Joe’s greatest joys was being a grandfather. He took that role seriously, especially when it came to the highly affectionate and not-so-secret tradition of sneaking Tootsie Pops and Sour Apple Jolly Ranchers to his beloved granddaughter. Those small acts of sweetness will remain among the many memories his family will carry forward.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Catherine Leone; his son, Michael Leone, and his wife, Joanne; his sister, Linda DiRienzo; his many nieces and nephews, and his granddaughter, Madelyn Leone, who will forever cherish the sweet treats, laughter, encouragement, and love her grandfather left behind.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael Joseph and Edith Leone.

Friends are invited to call at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Wintergreen, 2532 Norcross Road, on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until time of memorial service at 4:00 p.m. Burial will be private.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com