Robert Leone

Robert J. Leone passed away peacefully at his home in Forsyth, Missouri on Monday, May 5, 2025.   He was 74. 

Mr. Leone was born December 27, 1950 in Trinidad, Colorado and graduated in 1968 from Trinidad Catholic High School.  He enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served four years, including deployment during the Vietnam conflict aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga (CV60) aircraft carrier where he performed mechanical work on aircraft hydraulic systems and other aviation repair support. 

Upon completion of his enlistment, Mr. Leone earned an Associates degree in Applied Sciences from the University of Southern Colorado (Pueblo) specializing in auto mechanics and diesel repair.  He returned to Trinidad, Colorado in 1975 where he operated a Phillips 66 gas station and repair garage; and later, opened Leone's Service Center, a full service five-bay Goodyear tire and automotive repair shop on East Main Street.  In 1983 he was selected as the NAPA / National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Mechanic of the Year, and in 1991 he was again honored by ASE as one of their “World Class” Technicians. 

In 1996, Mr. Leone relocated to Forsyth, Missouri where he continued his work in the automotive field.  He became an instructor of automotive technology at Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) in Springfield, Missouri where he played a major role in the expansion and refinement of the classes and curriculum in his department.   In 2014 he was recognized as one of “the best of the best in career and technical education” by the ASE Industry Education Alliance, and continued teaching right up until his retirement in 2016 following an accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury.  Mr. Leone taught hundreds of students over the years, and was proud to guide so many in the pursuit of careers in the field of automotive technology and repair.  He found it especially gratifying that many of his students remained friends and kept in touch with him long after they completed their program of study.  

Mr. Leone was a vociferous and enthusiastic reader of technical materials of all kinds (especially in the automotive field).  He also supplied his own contributions to that body of knowledge by authoring numerous articles and columns over the years for various industry trade journals and magazines.   He had a regular column (“Alignment Tech Talk”) in Undercar Digest, and was a regular contributor to Brake and Front End, Body Shop Business, and other publications.   Mr. Leone was often invited to be a speaker at industry trade shows, where his presentations were always well received.      

He was extremely proud of his service to his country in the Navy, and was rarely outside of the house without his favorite Navy Veteran ball-cap.  However, he disliked all war and was always especially concerned about the tremendous burden armed conflict puts on those called to serve and their families.   As he grew older, he found it immensely satisfying to meet other veterans during his visits to the U.S. Veterans Administration healthcare facilities, and frequently commented to friends and family on the importance of supporting our veterans in every way possible.  He was himself very grateful for the care and support he received from the VA in his later years.

Mr. Leone was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Lodovico and Margarehita Leone; his maternal grandparents Emilio and Gertrude Ferraro; his father, Frank Leone, Sr., his mother Elsie (Ferraro) Leone; and a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, fellow service-members, friends, employees, customers, students, and other special and revered persons who passed on before him.

He is survived by his devoted Wife, Margaret Disher Leone, and their cherished dog, Bailey; his brother, Frank “Sonny” Leone, Jr.; his sister, Kathy Blair; his children, Brian Leone, Kevin Leone, Amy Kelly, and Sara Leone; his stepchildren, Kathryne Colgan, Elijah Colgan, Grace Bluhm, Francis Jacob Colgan, and Patrick Colgan; his grandchildren Madison, Nicoli, Greyson, Rayne, Harrison, and Henry; his step-grandchildren Savannah, Jacob, Cole, Grace, Skai, Christopher, Joshua, Kaleb, Amelia, Charlie, and Isabella; and a step-great-granddaughter, Molly-Mae; the mother of his children, Deborah (Antista) Leone; and numerous treasured nieces and nephews and their families.  He would also want his fellow members of the armed services, whether he served with them directly or not, to be honored here as survivors worthy of tribute.    

Prior to his death, Mr. Leone and his wife Margaret were planning a road trip to see family and friends all across the country as well as their bucket list of places to see and things to do.  They equipped a new Ford Transit van especially for this endeavor.  Alas, his health became a greater challenge in recent months, and this trip could not be accomplished during his life.  As a tribute to him and in honor of their plans together, Margaret has decided to bring her beloved husband with her, in spirit, on just such a trip – which will ultimately culminate in Trinidad, Colorado with a memorial service, celebration of life, and interment of his cremains at a future date and time, to be determined.  Family and friends will be notified as soon as the details for the services and internment are finalized.  

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the following persons who were an absolute blessing in helping Margaret with Mr. Leone's care and support during his last illness:  Amber Krytek; Delores Radditz; Ashley Welter; the caregivers from St. Croix Hospice; Doctors Lambert and Loscalzo with the U.S.V.A.; and Father Dinish of Our Lady of the Ozarks Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Mr. Leone's life and legacy by making a donation in his name to the Brain Injury Association of Missouri Support Group or any of the many reputable charitable organizations focused on helping patients and families experiencing Parkinson's Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, and/or traumatic brain injury. 

Arrangements by Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel

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