Leone Regina (Lokitis) Skamarakas

Leone Regina (Lokitis) Skamarakas, 83, of New Bern, North Carolina and Fort Walton Beach, Florida, passed away on March 4, 2025. She was born on March 27, 1941, in Norwood, Massachusetts, to Joseph A. Lokitis and Mary J. Ivoskus. Leone was the beloved wife of Edward R. Skamarakas, whom she married on May 26, 1962, at Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado. 

Leone spent her early childhood in Canton, MA, before moving to Norton, MA, where she grew up and graduated from Norton High School. Her exceptional skills in shorthand stenography led her to an early career at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in Brockton, MA, followed by the Navy Department in Washington, D.C. She later relocated to Denver, CO, where she worked as a Legal Stenographer and Secretary for the Denver Bar Association Law School.

It was in Denver that Leone met her husband, Edward, at the United Service Organizations (USO). Their shared love for dancing, especially polka, and mutual interests and cultural connections led to a lasting bond of love and partnership.

Leone’s passions were many. As a young woman, she was a talented athlete, enjoying volleyball, softball, and basketball. Later, as a devoted mother, she passed her love for athletics on to all of her children. She also learned to knit and sew, creating many of the clothing items her kids wore when they were little. Her love for the outdoors led to countless camping trips with her husband and children, both in the United States and Europe. In her later years, she continued to travel, delighting in cruises to Bermuda and the Caribbean.

A woman of deep faith, Leone was unwavering in her Catholic beliefs. She ensured her children received religious instruction and never missed a Sunday Mass. Her dedication to others extended beyond her family; as the mother of a Special Olympian, she volunteered at local, state, and national games, offering her support and encouragement.

Leone was an artist in her own right, known as the “Angel Lady,” crafting beautiful angels for sale at markets during the Christmas season. Her creativity was matched only by her warmth and sense of humor. Known for her radiant smile and infectious laughter, she never met a stranger and could brighten any room she entered. Leone was also an avid animal lover, caring for many dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and mice; the latter often chosen by her children, though she embraced each with love and patience.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Edward; her children: Rita and David Haft, Joe Skamarakas, Edward Skamarakas Jr., and Leone and James Sutton; four grandchildren: Krista and Dave Haft, as well as, Benjamin and Lucas Sutton; and great grandchild, Melania Baer and her siblings: Mary Wray of Virginia, Joan Borowicz of Belchertown, MA., Diane Morse of N. Attleboro, MA., Michael Lokitis of Norton, MA., and Marianne Lokitis of New Bedford, MA. 

Leone was predeceased by her parents and five siblings: Joseph Lokitis, jr., Rose Lokitis, David Lokitis, Kathy Lokitis and William (baby).

Services will be held in New Bern, North Carolina at a later date.

Leone's life was one of love, faith, dance, laughter and adventure, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.