Salvatore Samuel Donald (Sam) Leo, 86, of Utica, former owner of Progressive Cleaners and Formal Wear located at 319 South St., Utica, entered into eternal life on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at the Heritage Health Care Center, with his loving family at his bedside. He was born April 15, 1922, in Rochester, the son of the late Cosmo and Grace Annese Leo. At an early age, he came to Utica and was educated in Utica schools. On January 6, 1945, Sam married the love of his life, Lucy Maria Tramont, a blessed union of 61 years, until her passing in 2006. In 1927, Sam's father opened a tailoring shop on Bleecker St. in Utica and operated it until his illness in 1934. Sam, who was 15 years old at the time, left school and took over as "head man" directing his four siblings as well as his mother in expanding the business to what became known as Progressive Cleaners and Formal Wear. In 1972, Donald Leo, Sam's son, joined the business as vice president. In 2001, Sam Leo, III, Donald's son, began working in the tuxedo department. After 76 years of serving the Utica area, Sam retired and everyone else decided to pursue other goals. Sam was very active in the community, serving as past president of the Central New York Cleaners and Dryers Association, was a former member of the Moose and Elks Clubs, was a charter member of the East Utica Optimist Club, was a past president of the Utica Optimist Club, was a past president of the South Street Merchants Association and was a current member of the Whitestown Optimist Club. He is survived by his beloved sons and daughters-in-law, Samuel (Donald) and Frances (Perretta) Leo of Deerfield and Cosmo Thomas and Robyn (Paulson) Leo of New Hartford; two sisters, Angeline Nicholson of FL and Grace Miccoli of Utica; grandchildren, Theresa Ann Leo and Nick Nobles, Samuel Donald Leo, III and Kristy Williamson, Jessica Leo, Anthony and Nicole Leo, Nicole Leo and Carl Paulson and Sarah Leo; three great grandchildren, Samantha Paulson and Niko and Aidan Leo; his extended family, Joey and Ashley; and several nieces and nephews. His funeral will be Monday at 9:15 am from the Bentz & Amodio Funeral Service, Inc., 470 French Rd., Utica/New Hartford and 10 am from the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. Calling hours are Sunday (today) from 2-5 pm at the funeral home. The Leo family wishes to acknowledge Dr. Tisch and Dr. Eldridge for the great care given to Sam as well as the Heritage Health Care Center, especially Betty on 2 West.