Eugene Joseph (Gene) Leoncavallo, 84, of Lexington, Virginia, died Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at Heritage Hall in Lexington.

He was born August l 1, 1927 in Union City, N.J., a son of the late Raffaele Leoncavallo and Antoinette Guistozzi Leoncavallo.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother and four sisters.

Mr. Leoncavallo lived in New Jersey until moving to Lexington seven years ago.

He attended Trinity United Methodist Church. Gene served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1945 to 1949, and was then called up in the reserves from 1950 to 1952. He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps League and the VFW.

Gene was a wood carver and his proudest achievement has been to have two of his sculptures in the VMI Museum. He carved the Memorial to Fallen Troops and the large Civil War horse displayed there.

Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Nancy O'Brien Leoncavallo; two stepsons, Robert Albornoz and wife, Sherrine, of Lexington, Ky.; Jeremy Albomoz and wife, Christine, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; one sister, Irma Pehnke of Bridgewater, N.J; three grandchildren, Mia, Alyssa and Gabriella Albornoz, all of Lexington, Ky.; one stepgranddaughter, Hannah Ewing, of Myrtle Beach; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted 4 p.m. Friday, July 20, 2012, at Bolling, Grose & Lotts Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Norman Tippens officiating. Burial will be at Quantico National Cemetery. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please honor Gene by making a donation to one of our local charities, such as RARA, The Free Clinic, Hospice or one of your choosing.

Arrangements by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Buena Vista.