Joseph Anthony Leone

Joseph Anthony Leone, 93, of Blairsville, Ga., and St. Lucie West, Fla., died Sunday, December 10, 2006, in Blairsville, after a short illness.

Born in Westfield, N.Y., Joe was a resident of Chautauqua County, N.Y., for 62 years. He was a professional jazz musician for 80 years, a piano technician, and owner of three music stores in western New York State. AWorld War II Air Force veteran, Joe was also a fourth degree knight in the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Piano Technicians Guild, the Musicians’ Union, and The World Music & Jazz Society. He was most recently the pianist with the “Vintage Notes” band in Union County, Ga., and the “King’s Isle Trio” in St. Lucie West, Fla.

Joe was loved by family and friends for his infectious smile, animated storytelling, and his genuine interest in other people. His charm was both effortless and undeniable, demonstrated in his exuberant piano playing, absurd puns, and traditional Italian cooking.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Anne Marie (Furnar) Leone; daughters, JoAnne Leone of Blairsville, and Carol Leone Smith of Dallas, Texas; son-inlaw,

Regan Smith;

grandchildren Ryan and

Olivia Smith of Dallas;

and brother, John Leone of

East Hampton, N.Y. His brother Salvatore Leone and sister Connie Bivona predecease him.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, December 12 at St. Francis of Assisi Church. The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the scholarship fund of The World Music & Jazz Society, c/o Charles Milne, WMJS President, 828.389.8919, e-mail: wmjs@brmemc.net

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome. com