Raymond Leone

Raymond J. Leone passed away in St. Vincent's Hospital, Sunday, April 15th 2018 at the age of 91. We lost the patriarch, the hero of our family. He was born June 15th 1926 to Charles and Anna Leone (Thomas) and raised in Billings, MT. He attended school in Billings and graduated from Billings Senior HIgh in 1944. Ray entered the Army in 1944 and served in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He was awarded a Purple Heart, as well as numerous other medals. . He then started his career in the Plumbing and Heating Wholesale business. He was a salesman, assistant manager and branch manager for Crane and Ordway, Crane Company, and Amfac Mechanical, respectively. He then semi-retired and worked for Wagner Mechanical part-time. He met and married the love of his life, Lois Shol on September 16th 1949. They were married 68- ½ wonderful years. To this union, they were blessed with 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. His career moved his family from Billings to Minot ND to Fargo ND and back. He settled back in Billings near family. Ray enjoyed bowling and golfing, and was a longtime member of the Elks Club. He especially looked forward to attending all sporting events his grandchildren played. Ray and Lois spent many years dedicated to square and round dancing. When he bought his first motor home, he and Lois began traveling all over the U.S. This also began many years of family camping trips to Cody and Red Lodge. He welcomed anyone that was able to join in the fun. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, Bill and Myrt Shol, his infant brother James, his brother Robert and brothers-in-law and sisters-in law, Alice Norman, Wally Stephens, Bob & Marilyn Dillon, and Ron Kembel. He is mourned by his wife, Lois and children Kathy Ullman, Jim Leone, Chris Leone (Daniel Repka) and Chuck Leone. His grandchildren Heather Leone (Shawn Reynolds), Ryan (Shawn) Ullman. Anthony Leone, Ian (Amanda) Ullman, Michael, Alex and Dani Repka and Sami Leone will miss him. Ray enjoyed his great-grandchildren Jackson and Abigail UIlman, Auron Leone, and Isaiah, Elijah, Joshua, and Silas Ullman. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Margy Stephens, Delores Kembel, Jan Leone, as well as numerous other friends and family. Memorials may be made in his name to Saint Patrick's Co-Cathedral or the charity of your choice. There will be a vigil service in honor of Ray held at Dahl Funeral Chapel at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, April 18th 2018. Funeral services will be held at Saint Patrick's Co-Cathedral Thursday afternoon, April 19th at 12:00 p.m. with a reception directly following the service. Internment will take place after the reception. All are invited to join us at Mountview Cemetery on Central Avenue.