Anthony 'Tony' Nelson Leone

Tony's service in Fargo will be livestreamed here: https://vimeo.com/905282273

Tony's slideshow can be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/3H8W36GQQC4J62HR

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Anthony "Tony" Leone. Born June 14th, 1952, Tony's life was marked by love, laughter, and profound and enduring connections.

Tony's love for his family and friends was unwavering, creating a space wherever he went filled with joy, laughter, love and delicious food (always have good food!). He always said "family is the most important" and instilled that in his children and grandchildren who carry on his legacy. In his heart, family included his friends and Tony loved with a special Italian fire.

Tony was an energetic, eclectic person with a wide variety of life experiences including working for the post office and as a tour guide in Niagara Falls when he was young. A skilled, experienced RN, Tony's dedication and passion were evident to everyone he encountered. His nursing career included work as a field medic for the US Navy, first responder, flight nurse, cardiac care, ICU, pediatric nurse, surgery center, and travel nurse. For the last 20 years he built his career working in the endoscopy department at Sanford Health. Tony was proud to be a part of the Sanford family. He was so proud of his profession and his goal was to "make those I care for comfortable in uncomfortable situations". His work left an indelible mark on his profession. He touched so many lives including patients and colleagues.

Tony had a wide variety of hobbies including golf, skiing, coaching, travel, hunting, fishing, hiking, motorcycle rides with his "blinker boys", squirrel and bird feeding. He was an avid sports fan, especially football and was an enthusiastic NDSU Bison fan. His first love, however, were the Buffalo Bills. His enthusiasm for life and experiences was contagious, and brought so many diverse people together.

Tony was preceded in death by his father Anthony Ignazio Leone, his mother Bernadette Krentz, his step-father Bill Krentz, his granddaughter, Isabella, his niece Kristina Zell, his nephew Jeremy Zell, and his cousin Tommy Leone.

Tony is survived by his wife Lynnette, children: Erik (Kari) Leone, Nick (Mollie) Leone and Alicia (Gilbert) Muniz, grandchildren: Kira, Lexi, Isaac, Emily, Alessandra, Tyson, Brody, his Sister Deborah (Harvey) Shimko, nephew Jason (Lauren) Zell and great niece Nora Zell. His spirit lives on through the love he shared, the lessons he imparted, and the many amazing memories.

There will be a celebration of his life in Fargo on Saturday, January 27th, 2024 at 11 am at Olivet Lutheran Church, 1330 South University Dr. in Fargo, ND. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.

Tony was a proud veteran of the US Navy and his cremated remains will be interred at the Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel MT. There will be a service at 11 am at Faith Chapel, 517 Shiloh Rd in Billings MT on February 2nd, 2024.

For those who would like, the family requests donations to the Disabled American Veterans in Tony's name.

As we say goodbye to this remarkable soul, please remember Tony with gratitude for the love he gave and remember to live by his motto "it's all about the adventure"...thus sayeth the Tone. Here's to your next adventure, my love.