Grafton – Leigh D. Alano, 75, of Grafton, formerly of Worcester and Shrewsbury passed away suddenly, Thursday, January 11th, 2024, after being stricken ill while vacationing in Florida.
Leigh was born in Worcester, the son of Alphonse and Helen (Tsianco) Alano. Raised in Worcester, he graduated from South High School. Then he proudly joined the U.S. Navy serving his country during the Vietnam war.
In February of 1980, Leigh married the love of his life and best friend, Cheryl. They settled on the Westside of Worcester, to raise their family with love, faith and devotion.
Leigh worked his entire life in the Auto industry, whether with his father in the Autobody repair business or managing multiple dealerships, most recently one he launched with his son Jamie. In addition to his long career in the automobile business, Leigh appeared on stage at the El Morocco and throughout the country performing as an Elvis impersonator and was even invited into Graceland by the Presley family.
Leigh is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cheryl; a son, Jamie L. Alano and his wife Gina (DeCaro) with whom they lived; a daughter Kristy L. Orcutt and her husband Joe of Holden; five grandchildren he cherished and who lovingly called him “Papa”, Ava, Anthony, Michael, Stella, and Lucia; two brothers, Alphonse Alano, Jr. and Peter A. Alano; Nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends including his brother-in-law, Gigi Leardi and his close friends Sammy Etre, and Aaron Tringuk, who he notably talked to daily. In addition to his parents, Leigh had two uncles, Carlo and Rudolph Alano who helped guide him through life. Leigh is predeceased by his parents, Alphonse Alano, Sr., his Mother Helen (Tsianco), his son Keith J. Alano and his brother Steven M. Alano.
Leigh was a Corvette and Harley-Davidson enthusiast, who took 1st place in a Pro Street drag racing competition in Epping, NH. He also enjoyed frequent trips to the casino, music of the 50’s and 60’s, cooking, especially his Auntie Gilda’s eggplant parmigiana, and vacationing in Florida. He was an extremely proud American never losing sight of his Italian and Albanian heritage. Leigh’s most enjoyable times in life were those spent with his grandchildren and family. Anytime his grandchildren were around him were the special moments in life to be cherished.
The Alano family would like to thank Dr. Christopher Richards and the Staff at Mass General for the care Leigh received.
Calling hours for Leigh will be held Sunday, January 21st from 3 pm to 6 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Monday, January 22nd from the funeral home with a procession to St John’s Church, 44 Temple Street where his funeral Mass will be held at 10 am. Burial with Navy Honors will follow in Hope Cemetery.
