Saratoga Springs, NY - Michael ("Mickey") J. Leone, Jr., passed away Sunday (Apr. 11, 2010) at his residence, surrounded by his wife, Carol, family and friends. He was 61. Born on Feb. 15, 1949 in Saratoga Springs, he was a son of Mildred (Whiting) Leone and the late Michael J. Leone, Sr. (who died in Feb. 2000). A lifelong resident and graduate of Saratoga Springs High School Class of 1967, he was a US Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, serving a tour of duty in Danang. Those that knew him are aware how hard he fought a 13 year battle with colon cancer. He touched many lives and had a strong memory of people and events. Mickey served for 23 years as a fire fighter with the Saratoga Springs Fire Department and retired in 1994. He enjoyed watching the New York Yankees and as a devoted fan for 55 years, was able to visit their new stadium last year. An avid gardener, he enjoyed cooking and many walks around Saratoga Springs with Carol. He was a retired member of the Saratoga Springs Fire Fighters Local 343 IAFF and a current member of Dominick Smaldone ITAM Post 35, American Legion Adirondack Post 70 the Disabled Vietnam Veterans of America and a communicant of the Church of St. Peter. A special little girl named McKenna Rose Cook was the joy of his life. He so enjoyed taking her on visits to see the ducks in Congress Park and also to the west side playground where he played ball growing up. Mickey has now gone to heaven to be McKenna's Guardian Angel. He was married to his wife, best friend and partner, the former Carol Parmatier, for 23 years. Survivors, in addition to his wife and mother of Saratoga Springs, include his sisters, Kathryn (Thomas) St. John and their two sons, T.J. and Jeffrey, all of Oneonta and Mary Jane (Andrew) Field of San Francisco, CA; his brothers, Gary (Theresa) Leone of Saratoga Springs, Patrick (Kathy) Leone and their daughter, Danielle, all of Deltona, FL and Lawrence Leone of Saratoga Springs. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 8pm Wednesday (Apr. 14, 2010) at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway 584-5373. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30am Thursday in the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, by the Rev. Dominic S. Ingemie, pastor. Burial with military honors will follow at 11am at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville. Following the committal ceremony, all are invited to a gathering of family and friends at the Dominick Smaldone ITAM Post, 247 Grand Ave. The family would like to thank members of the Saratoga Springs Fire Department for their visits, assistance and kindness they provided along with his Hospice nurses, especially his main caregivers, Sandy, Colleen and Wendy. We also extend our sincere gratitude to all friends who helped with his care in many ways over the years and during his most recent illness. A special thank you to his physicians, Dr. Brian Izzo, Dr. Elizabeth Valentine, Dr. Edward Lee, Dr. Anhish, Nigam and Dr. Sayed Tariq. Memorials may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., or the Saratoga Springs Fire Fighters Community Fund, P.O. Box 559, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.