Anthony R. Leone, Ph.D.

Anthony R. Leone, Ph.D., of Cranston, Rhode Island passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of November 30, 2023.  Anthony was the loving husband of Ella Leone, the trusted father, friend, and confidant to his son Anthony R. Leone, II, Esq. and his wife Chelsie L. Horne.  Anthony will be dearly missed by his two grandchildren who he most adored: Zachary Anthony Leone and Emma Amelia Leone.

Anthony attended Classical High School and graduated from Hope High School. He completed his undergraduate degree at Providence College.  A lifelong Friar basketball fan, he has been a season ticket holder since the Friars first played at the Providence Civic Center.  He has been to countless games with his son, friends, and grandkids. Anthony also earned Masters’ degrees from Assumption College and the University of Rhode Island, along with a Doctorate from the University of Sarasota.

Known to most of his friends and colleagues as “Tony,” Anthony was a committed educator and higher education administrator.  Whether in the classroom, boardroom, at the State House or in the community, Anthony’s career was synonymous with education of our youth and the future of Rhode Island education.

Anthony began his career teaching at Johnston High School and moved on to join the faculty of the Community College of Rhode Island.  Anthony continued to teach at CCRI throughout his professional career. Anthony also worked as Director of Public Affairs at University of Rhode Island and as Associate Commissioner for the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education. He spent extensive time at the State House lobbying to promote public higher education.  This passion for education continued long after retirement as he was fond to ask every health care provider where they went to school and to engage in conversation about their education.

Anthony’s commitment to the youth of our community extended far beyond the classroom.  A proud alumnus of the Wanskuck Boys & Girls Club in Providence, the “Club” played a central role in his life.  He served with pride on the Providence Boys & Girls Club Board of Governors for many years, including as its President. It was a tremendous honor when the Providence Boys & Girls Club created an education fund in his name.  More recently, Anthony has served on the board of the NEL/CPS Construction & Career and Technical School.

Anthony coached youth baseball for many years.  He loved to recount stories of some of his favorite players and teams from St. Ann’s, Cranston Babe Ruth, and especially his star-studded Cranston Western Little League teams.

Anthony’s family and friends were most important to him.  Anthony and Ella loved going out to dinner together with those they love.  Vacations at The Balsams, Wentworth by the Sea, and The Mount Washington Hotel created life-long memories that will be cherished.

Anthony joins his parents Anthony and Elvira Leone (Izzi), his sister Geraldine L. Leone, and brother Gerald Leone in heaven.

Funeral from the Nardolillo Funeral Home & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston, will be on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, in Cranston, Rhode Island with burial services at St. Ann’s Cemetery.  Visiting hours will be Wednesday, December 6, 2023, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anthony R. Leone Educational Programs Fund, c/o RI Community Foundation, 1 Union Station, Providence, RI 02903.