Dominick George Leone

1933 - 2024

Dominick George Leone

February 18, 1933 - May 28, 2024

Fresno, California - Don Leone, age 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Fresno, California, on May 28, 2024. Born on February 18, 1933, in Maryville, Illinois, to Anton and Josephine Leone, Don graduated from Collinsville High School in 1952, where he excelled as an All-State basketball and baseball player. Despite the opportunity to sign a professional baseball contract, he chose to pursue basketball at Reedley College and later at Fresno State University, where he showcased his talent as a 5'7" point guard with a memorable two-handed jump shot and skillful ball handling.

During his first year at Reedley College, Don met Rosalee (Lee) Torosian, whom he married in 1957. Don's education and athletic career were interrupted when he was drafted to serve in the Korean War. After two years of service, he returned to Reedley College to resume his education and ball play and then moved on to Fresno State University, where he earned a B.A. in Education in 1958. He later obtained a Master's in Education from Southern Illinois University. Don began his career teaching and coaching at Kerman High School and spent 35 years at Reedley College, where he taught health science and coached baseball, basketball, cross country, and tennis (including wheelchair tennis).

Don and Lee had two children, Lauri and Donnie. Don was a devoted husband and father, always prioritizing his family and cherishing his time with them. His love for family, fitness, sports, the beach, and engaging conversations were evident in his daily life. As a long-time member of the Fig Garden Swim & Racquet Club and the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, Don built lifelong friendships and found great joy spending as much of his time as he possibly could at each of them. Both clubs were a source of great pride and created many cherished memories for Don and his entire family.

Tennis became his lifelong passion. He regularly played and created enthusiasm for the game in so many others throughout his lifetime. He founded and directed the Don Leone Tennis Camp at Reedley College for hundreds of young enthusiasts throughout the central valley during the summers of the 1980's.

Don was known for his great sense of humor and humble nature, which made him admired by all who knew him. He always took an attentive interest in everyone he crossed paths with. He was known for his great sense of humor and infectious smile. He loved a good joke. His positive attitude and mirthful personality made him beloved by friends and family, alike. He is deeply missed.

Don is survived by his wife, Lee; daughter, Lauri Leone; son, Donnie Leone; daughter-in-law, Sharon; grandchildren, Katelyn Avedian (Michael), Sandon Stine, Bailey Stine, Lauren Leone, and Cole Leone; great-grandchild, Ava Avedian, (who brought him immense joy in his final year); son-in-law, Brad Stine; and many nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held to celebrate Don's life. In lieu of flowers, please honor him with a donation to the Don Leone Tribute Wheelchair Tennis Scholarship Fund. https://www.barnestenniscenter.com/product-page/don-leone-tribute-wheelchair-scholarship-fund