Gary M. Leonis

Mohawk - New Smyrna Beach, FL - Mr. Gary M. Leonis, 73, passed away Friday, March 4, 2016 at his winter residence in New Smyrna Beach, FL. He was born in Frankfort on June 27, 1942, the son of the late Samuel and Evelyn Price Leonis. He graduated from Ilion High School in 1960. He went on to receive his BA from Utica College Syracuse University in 1966 and his Master's Degree from SUNY Albany School of Social Welfare in 1975. He was employed at Oneida County Department of Social Services from 11/68-3/72, Hudson River Psych Center in Poughkeepsie from 3/72-6/82 and Herkimer Central School District from 3/83-6/97 from which he retired on June 30, 1997. He was a member of the NY State United Teachers. While spending the winters in Florida for the past 16 years, he was a member of the Bocce Ball Team in his community and enjoyed volunteering at the bingo of the Sacred Heart Church on a weekly basis and made many special friends. After his passing, a brick was placed in his honor in the church prayer garden on the church grounds and at the Holiday Cove North in New Smyrna Beach where he resided. He is survived by his sisters, Eva Tripple of Mohawk and Isabelle Hoffmeister; one brother, Sam Leonis, Jr. of Ilion; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Evie Leonis Daz; brothers, Frank, Ronald, Tom and Paul Leonis; his niece, Florence Tripple Stubbs of SC and nephew, Paul Leonis of CO. Gary wanted to acknowledge his special friends, Nancy Katrulya, Ross Keister, Frank Rametta, Paul Anderson, Karen Sauer, Bob and Shirley Miller, Paul and Gail Anderson, Ralph Grimaldi and Ed and Mary Wilcenski. A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 21 at 2:00 PM in the V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc. 203 Second Ave. Frankfort with Deacon Jim Bower, officiating. Calling hours will be Saturday afternoon from 12:00 PM until the time of services. Interment will follow in Oak View Cemetery. The family would like to thank his special friends, Ross Keister, Frank Rametta and Paul Anderson for the special care shown to him during his illness and passing. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Gary's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com