Gloria Marie Leone, age 95, of Gloucester, formerly of Medford, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Gloria was born on March 11, 1930, to the late Nicolo and Michelina (DeBenedictis) Leone and was raised in the West End of Boston.
Gloria, or "Glo", as she was affectionately known to her family and friends, later moved to Medford, where she was the proud graduate of Medford High School`s class of 1947. She went on to dedicate more than 30 years of service to the City of Medford, serving as the Chief Procurement Officer for 42 years with 20 years of collaboration with the Auditor`s Department. Glo was a true pioneer not only in her profession and community, but also in her leadership and innovation of public purchasing.
Throughout her career, she was an active member of numerous professional and civic organizations. She was involved with the New England Public Purchasing Association, where she developed and directed a multi-cooperative bid program for school and library books. Gloria was also a member of the Zonta Club, where she received an Achievement Award honoring women who excel professionally while providing distinguished community service.
Her commitment to community extended to the Junior League of the Women`s Italian Club of Boston, where she chaired scholarship initiatives and supported various charitable causes. She also assisted in the opening of Medford`s first Senior Drop-In Center and held the title of Medford`s Citizen of the Year 1981. Gloria was a member of the Medford Chamber of Commerce where she served as a representative for the Dropout Prevention Program at Medford High School.
Beyond her professional and civic accomplishments, Gloria had a vibrant creative spirit. She loved entertaining and performing, leading to the airing of her pantomime act featured on Channel 4. She was an enthusiastic member of the Bass Rocks Golf and Tennis Club, proudly winning several tournaments.
Gloria`s most significant life accomplishments were the cherished relationships she had with her family and friends. Her warmth, charismatic energy, dedication, and generosity left an impression that will be remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
She was the youngest sister of the late Amadeo Leone and his late wife Edith, the late Margaret Benedict and her late husband Albert, the late Victor Leone Sr, and his wife Louise, and late Richard Leone and his late wife Jean.
Gloria is lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews including the following, Stephen and Patti Leone, Dennis Leone and his partner Maryellen, Margaret Leone, the late Albert Benedict Jr and his wife Lorna, Victor Leone Jr and his wife Caroline, and Robert and Therese Benedict and the late Richard (Ricky) Leone Jr. She will be fondly remembered by her great nieces and nephews Matthew Pescatore, Melissa (Pescatore) Tognarelli, Anthony Leone, Alicia (Leone) Eng, Jason Benedict, Amy (Benedict) Pratt, Cole Benedict, Sheryl (Benedict) Sciaudone, Brian Benedict, Michael Leone, Kimberly Leone, Kerri Leone, Denise Leone and Diane Leone. In addition, Gloria was blessed with several great- grand nieces and nephews: Matthew, Alexander and Sophia Pescatore, Olivia and Lucas Leone, Mason and Stella Tognarelli, Eloise, Nicholas and Samson Benedict, Griffin and Bennett Pratt, Cristian and Oliver Sciaudone, Vera and Eva Benedict as well as several cousins located throughout the New England, New Jersey and New York areas.
Gloria cherished the friendships she built throughout her life and leaves behind a circle of devoted friends who will forever remember her warmth and humor.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the calling hours on Thursday, February 12th, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, and again Friday morning February 13th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High St., Medford, at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with interment at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Gloria's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorials Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or https://www.stjude.org