Dion Frank DeLeone

Dion passed away on Sunday, leaving behind a life defined by service, curiosity, faith, adventure, and a deep love for his family and others.

Born in Akron, Ohio, Dion was proud of his family’s Italian heritage, with roots in Colliano, Italy. After graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Kent, Ohio, he attended Kent State University. His studies were interrupted when he was drafted into military service. Dion served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1968 as a hospital corpsman, including service in Vietnam attached to the 1st Marine Division.

Following his military service, Dion returned to college, attending Ohio Northern University, where he graduated in 1972 with a degree in pharmacy. He lived in Ada, Ohio, before moving to Georgetown, South Carolina, in May 1978, where he made his home for nearly five decades. He was a member of Kappa Psi, Gamma Delta Chapter and founding member of Georgetown Breakfast Rotary Club. Dion worked as a pharmacist for 34 years and was quite happy to retire and embrace the next chapter of his life.

Dion believed in living life to its fullest. An enthusiastic traveler, he explored the United States, Europe, Japan, China, and many places in between. His interests included scuba diving, bowling, golf, fishing, bridge, singing in his church choir, and home improvement projects. A lifelong learner and avid reader, Dion was always interested in discovering something new and becoming better at whatever he chose to pursue.

Service to others was constant throughout his life. Dion volunteered with his church, the Boy Scouts as a Scout Leader, and diabetes education. In his seventies, he became a child advocate for children in foster care, traveling throughout South Carolina to represent and advocate for them in court. When someone needed a voice, Dion was willing to show up, including being a foster parent to many.

Above all, Dion loved his family, his friends, and God. He genuinely cared for others and quietly found ways to make their lives better. Though a quiet man, he had a presence that was palpable. He was dependable and steady, with a kindness and strength that those who knew him could feel.

Dion saw much of the world, but his greatest legacy remains closer to home—in the family he loved, the friendships he treasured, the faith that guided him, the people he served, and the community he called home. His was a full and purposeful life, well lived and generously shared with others.

Dion leaves his wife of 62 years, Patricia (Hartgrove) DeLeone; their four children, Angela DeLeone-Matthiessen (Jeff Sherrill), Gina DeLeone (Laura), Michele DeLeone, and Erik DeLeone; seven grandchildren, Austin Matthiessen, Alek Matthiessen (Dani), Amy Tooley (Ross), Alyssa Matthiessen, Riley DeLeone, James Coker III “Tripp,” and Lily Coker; and two great-grandchildren, Jack Matthiessen and Charlie Tooley. He also leaves cousins Karen Delk (Terry), Sam Snyder (Gary), and Earl Stansbury Jr. (Lynna), along with extended family in Kent, Ohio.

He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Mary Catherine (Stansbury) DeLeone.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scout Troop 300 or Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church.

Donations for Boy Scout Troop 300 may be made by check payable to American Legion Post 114, with “Boy Scout Troop 300” written on the memo line, and mailed to:

American Legion Post 114 715 Church Street Georgetown, SC 29440

Memorial contributions may also be made to:

Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church 901 Highmarket Street Georgetown, SC 29440

https://duncanmemorialchurch.com/giving

The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 26 in the Fellowship Hall of Duncan Memorial Methodist Church. Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 PM in the church sanctuary, with burial in Pennyroyal Memorial Gardens.

The family invites everyone to come as they are and dress comfortably and casually for the service. There is no need to go out and buy anything special—simply wear what you already have and feel comfortable in. Your presence is what matters most.

The Maryville Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home in in charge of the arrangements, 843-546-4184.