Gaetano Leone

Gaetano Leone, 78, of Manchester, NH — formerly of Tennessee and Massachusetts — passed away peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026 with loved ones gathered at his bedside.

Gaetano was born in Lacedonia, Italy to Antonio and Antonietta Leone and was raised in Foggia, Italy. He served in the Italian Army and earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Foggia. Guy then immigrated with his family to the United States in 1969, settling in the Italian neighborhood off of Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA. He began his U.S. career at Arduini Manufacturing Company and Thomas Smith Company before later retiring to TN. In 2023, Gaetano moved to Manchester, NH.

Guy was all about family and soccer. He played it and coached it — notably at Assumption College — was a FIFA referee, and a soccer assessor. He is credited with pioneering indoor soccer programs in both MA and TN that, along with those he shared it with, will be a part of his lasting legacy. He also enjoyed cooking, talking about, and instilling his Italian heritage and customs in his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his soulmate of 45 years, Patricia Masterson; his children: Anthony Leone and his wife Stefanie, with their daughter Zoe; Alysia Leone and her partner Matt Butler; Cheryl Sychantha and her husband Oudum, with their children Derrick, Tricia, Nikki, Holley, and Tiffany; Michelle Gallacher and her husband Jeff, with their children Brandon and Whitney; Michael Masterson and his wife Amy, with their daughter Micaela.

Continually, he is survived by a brother, Rocco Leone with his children, Gabriella, Guiliana, Guistina, Giana, and Giovanna; his sisters, Serafina Quinn and her husband Bruce, with their children Christina and Rachel, and Carmella Szklarz with her children Derrick and Cory. Guy will be met by his Parents, his grandson William, and his brother-in-law Danny, along with his beloved dog, Nacho.

Friends and relatives are invited to gather for calling hours on Sunday, January 18 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life Service in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, located at 370 Plantation St in Worcester, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Guy’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, 320 Nevada St, Suite 201, Newton, MA, 02460.