Robert M. Leone, Sr.

Robert Mario Leone, Sr., known to many as Bob, died on September 21, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois at the age of 87. Born on December 19, 1938 in Chicago, he remained deeply connected to the city throughout his life.

Robert described himself as a “simple guy from the west side,” and that identity stayed with him always. He grew up near Polk and Kedzie, where as young man he would walk the neighborhood telling the local "toughs" to go inside and do their homework. He was the third of five brothers, extremely proud to be Italian American, and known by those who loved him as serious, hardworking, kind, gentle, caring, and honest to a fault. Taking care of his family was the top priority of his life.

From an early age, Robert understood the value of work and purpose. He began working at just eight years old, selling newspapers to earn money for his family. From a young age he knew he wanted to become a lawyer. He graduated from DePaul University with a major in economics and went on to earn his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School as a member of the class of 1963. Self-made in every sense, he put himself through law school by taking jobs others did not want, including janitorial work. 

After law school, he moved to New York City and worked for American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) for one year. When his mother told him he would be drafted for Vietnam, he voluntarily returned home to enlist in the United States Army in August of 1964. He became the head of his platoon at age 24 because he was considered an “old man,” and he served six years as a reservist in the Illinois National Guard. 

Robert went on to build a distinguished legal career, serving for more than 35 years as general counsel for Inland Steel/Ryerson Steel until his retirement. His work took him all over the world, including Jerusalem, Rome, and Mexico City. Yet for all he accomplished professionally, he remained humble and grounded in the values that guided him from childhood.

On November 8, 1969, he married Ann Marie Leone, née Nawrocki. They first met at a law firm where Robert worked as a lawyer and Ann Marie as a secretary, and their first date was at the Italian Village on Monroe and Dearborn in Chicago. Their marriage was a profound and enduring partnership. Even during his last days, he told his wife that she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

They raised their family in Oak Brook, Illinois, where they lived for over 40 years. He raised his children to work and study as hard as they could. When his children faced difficulties, he would remind them that they had "the blood of Caesar," a phrase that captured both his Italian American pride and his desire to strengthen those he loved. His three children and two grandchildren were the lights of his life.

He also found joy in the simple pleasures of daily life. He loved old western movies and watching the evening news. He enjoyed sitting with a stack of newspapers or magazines, reading and thinking for hours. He also loved dogs and shared a close bond with Dusty and Felix. A deeply religious man, he was devoted to his Catholic faith and held a particular interest in the origins of Jesus.  

Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Marie Leone, nee Nawrocki; his loving children, Robert Leone, Jr., Andrew Leone (Natalie Tran) and Alexandra Leone (Ed) Kazyanskaya; his cherished grandchildren, Tianna and Scarlett; and brothers, Richard (Lynn) Leone and Roger (Lisa) Leone. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Louise Leone, and brothers Palmer and Frank (the late Beverly) Leone.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington St., Chicago. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Belmont Village in Lincoln Park for the loving care shown to Robert during the last years of his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to the Greater Chicago Food Depository would be greatly appreciated.