Faraone, Leonard Carl

Leonard Carl

Faraone Age 93, passed away on January 22, 2016. He was born on April 14, 1922, in Pueblo, CO, to Sam Faraone and Josephine Faraone-Cesario.

He is survived by his three daughters Dewan Montigny (Ron), Donna Brooks (Dirk), Debra Heath (Allen); seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty L. Faraone, his son, Victor A. Brown, and his grandson, Koury M. Hays.

Leonard worked on the family farm as a young boy and as a machinist after finishing high school in Pueblo, CO. He then enlisted in the Navy during World War II. He served as water tender on the USS Crosby, an old WWII "tin can" and the USS Lejcunie, a captured German ship that was converted into a troop transport. After his naval duty, Leonard worked in the steel mills in Pueblo. In 1948, he moved to Albuquerque, NM, for a three-year masonry apprenticeship.

Leonard and Betty were married on September 28, 1951. After working a few years as a brick mason, Leonard followed his dream and co-owned several businesses with his wife: Faraone’s Masonry, Faranatta Mfg., Precast, and Blue Mesa Restaurant. Leonard and Betty retired in 1977. They traveled across the United States by RV and also enjoyed international travel, especially enjoying time in Switzerland, Ireland and Hawaii. Leonard was a Mason and belonged to the Elk’s Club. Leonard had many hobbies. He helped build his daughter’s houses and was an inventor who worked in mediums like masonry, metals, wood, paints and prints. Other pleasures included dancing, playing pinochle and working on his computer. He believed that he was never too old to learn something new. At age 90 he started a new hobby - framing photos that he had printed.

The family would like to thank the VA Hospital in Albuquerque, NM, for the excellent care they provided for many years and to the VA Hospital in Dallas, TX, for the excellent care they provided to Dad in his last days.

The family plans to have a private memorial service.

Leonard’s care has been entrusted to: Lucas Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 700 W. Wall St., Grapevine, TX, 76051.