Violet Rizzo Leone

Violet Rizzo Leone. Road: Age: 100

Born March 1, 1925 at home in Elmsford New York, Violet was the treasured first-born child of Rose Secundini Rizzo, Gaetano (Donald) Rizzo.

She married the love of her life Frank A. Leone in 1945 and they honeymooned until his passing in 1988.

Violet was also preceded in death by her loving siblings Rose Rizzo, Frances MacPherson, Dolores Pinette, Donald Rizzo, cherished grandson Frank E. Leone, Jr. and dear son in law Rob Koleda.

Survived by her adoring children, Lorraine Leone Koleda, Frank E. Leone (Susan), Donald T. Leone (Mary Beth) and precious Grandchildren Denise (Bobby), Nina (Zack), Frank, Sydney (Jeremy), Kiersten and Great grandchildren Maya Violet, Henry Lawrence and sister in law Diane Rizzo as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Although Violet graduated high school before the age of 16, she was able to secure employment at the Sonotone corporation in Elmsford, New York, which was the historic hub for a company developing early transistor hearing aids as well as military and consumer electronics. As newlyweds, Violet and Frank moved to Hollywood, Florida where among other interests, Violet became a semi pro softball player holding the position of catcher. They eventually moved back to Westchester County, where they raised their family. Violet was always interested in intellectual pursuits and did the Sunday times crossword puzzle in ink every week. She was a great cook and replicated most of Julia Child's original French Chef recipes.

Later in life, Violet worked in for General Foods in Tarrytown, New York in several capacities, including packaging design. She, along with other colleagues was named and received United States patent for an invention in the food packaging industry. She found retirement was not her cup of tea and went to work in Ciba Corporation managing the corporate library. She tried

retirement again, but wanted to remain active so when well into her 80s, decided to volunteer in the Town of Greenburgh. Violet was also an avid traveler, visiting several exotic locales in Europe, Asia and Africa with various family members.

In her 90s, Violet made a new home at Sunnyside Manor in Wall, New Jersey where she had many friends, enjoyed all types of trivia puzzles, word games and a myriad of activities, entertainment, offsite trips, and especially bingo.

Although s she was in her 101st year, Violet was ageless and her sparkling personality and zest for life and learning will never be forgotten.