Hi, our names are Alexandria, Rita, & Maria, and we are fundraising for our brother in law & brother Bernardo (Bernie) Leone. Bernie and his family were on a long awaited family vacation when an infection he was tending to unexpectedly took a turn for the worse. He was brought in to emergency late Tuesday evening and underwent an emergency leg amputation. Unfortunately, the infection throughout the rest of his body was too severe and was septic. Bernie’s heart had weakened and his body was not strong enough to fight off the infection. He passed away Thursday afternoon with his wife (our sister) Giovanna by his side, holding his hand. His two young daughters Bella (aged 8), and Nicolette (aged 6), were only able to say their goodbyes to their father via FaceTime due to the incredibly fast turn of events.

We are hoping to provide some financial support to Giovanna to help ease her stress in any way possible. This fundraiser will go towards transporting Bernie’s remains home from Florida to Seneca Falls, New York, as well as to assist with the surgery and hospital fees, and finally, funeral costs.

Our intentions are to help look after this while Giovanna so she can give her full attention to grieving and healing with Bella and Nicolette.

Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated by all during this heartbreaking and unexpected time.

thank you,

Alexandria, Rita, & Maria