Leon was raised in Allegany County and attended school in a Wellsville area one-room-schoolhouse. He was eventually awarded an honorary GED from the school district. With special permission from his parents, he enlisted at 16 with the United States Army and deployed at 17 to Korea with the 32nd infantry, proudly serving from 1950 to 1953. After his honorable discharge he travelled the United States, including spending time in Florida as a Tugboat Operator and in Arizona, working at his aunt’s bar. He was initially married to Ruth Ann Perry, after they parted ways, he was with Louise Pascale-Shively, from whom he gained four bonus children and had his daughter, he subsequently married Theresa Cline in July of 1988 in Trenton, Florida; though separated, he remained close with each of them. He returned to Allegany County for a funeral and stayed for his family and employment opportunities. He found his career at Fibercel Corporation of Portville, where he worked for over 30 years, retiring on his birthday in 1997. He was a member of Alma Methodist Church, Alma Rod & Gun Club, Alma Volunteer Fire Department for almost 30 years, and Wellsville American Legion Post 702, additionally, he used to play guitar for area nursing homes. He rode Harley-Davidson motorcycles for over 50 years, loved his side-by-side, his dog Elmo, playing crosswords, was an outdoorsman who could fix anything mechanical and enjoyed mowing his yard. For years, he would fix bikes for the neighborhood kids and sell them ones he would refurbish. His son, Harley, stayed at home to take care of him and has been by his side throughout the end of his life.
He is survived by: his children, Glenda Cline of Olean, Harley (Erienne) Cline of Alma, Dan (Becky) Pascale of Cuba, Holy Pascale of Franklinville, and Chris (Lynn) Roberts of Eldred, PA; two grandchildren, Alexis (Sean) Withey-Scott and Payton White; a great-grandson, Sebastian Scott; close cousin, Kirby Cline; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by, son, Vince Pascale, and siblings, Jim Cline and Betty Jean Halliday.
Friends, family, and acquaintances are invited to attend a Graveside Service on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., with full military honors, at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Hinsdale. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
