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Daniel Thomas Leonardo

1948 - 2019

Daniel Thomas Leonardo obituary, 1948-2019, Simi Valley, CA

BORN

1948

DIED

2019

Daniel Leonardo Obituary

Daniel Thomas Leonardo

Simi Valley - March 18,1948 - August 21, 2019

Dan succumbed peacefully on August 21st at Los Robles Hospital surrounded by his immediate family. Dan was born on March 18,1948 in Chicago, Illinois to Daniel Sr. and Margaret Leonardo (deceased). He was always called 'Danny Boy' by his relatives growing up in Chicago's Little Italy 'Taylor Street' on the west side. He also spent time living in Silver Lake, Wisconsin where he could go fishing to his heart's content. As well as played baseball. A sport he really enjoyed. He often said living on a lake was the "the time of my life."

The family decided to go west to California and start a new life. They settled in the San Fernando Valley where Dan and his buddy, Ed Begley Jr., had a paper route. (Those were the days when you got your newspapers from bicycle riders). Later on, the Leonardo family heard about new homes in Simi Valley. In the early 1960's they bought a house of their own and Dan went to Simi Valley High School. He collected many friends and started a band called 'The Subset'. The Subset played at the old skating rink at the east end of the valley. After coming home from Vietnam he started another band of musicians from the area called 'The Lords'. Dan had great chops and was the front man of the band. He also dabbled in acting a bit. Playing small parts in such movies as 'The Lady in Red' and 'Goldie and the Boxer'.

At 18 years young Dan enlisted in the Army and went to fight in the Vietnam War. Dan was a sergeant and door gunner of a helicopter gun ship. Like most soldiers in Vietnam, he unfortunately experienced a lot of sorrow which stood with him throughout his life. As soon as he got to Vietnam he was embattled right away in the TET Offensive. Recently, Dan was commended in a book 'The Freedom Shield' (When We Were Young We Were There, by author Major John D. Falcon, Ret.) Dan was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his unselfish heroism that day.

He totaled two DFC's, two Purple Hearts, The Air Medal, and The Army Commendation Medal for his heroism in combat.

Dan went on to work for the Janss Corporation for several years. He married wife Cindie in 1974. Dan and Cindie really felt part of the Janss family. It was a great place to work! Dan decided to have his own landscape contracting business and did such until he retired in 2002. He stayed active with landscaping his own homes and enjoyed sports, especially baseball and boxing. He is survived by his wife Cindie, sons Derek & Todd Leonardo, and beloved grandson, Luca Leonardo (his best buddy).

*Any contributions to The Wounded Warrior Project would be much appreciated!

-There will be a Memorial Mass at St. Judes Catholic Church on September 16th 2019 at 2pm. 3202 Lindero Canyon Rd. Westlake Village, CA. 91361.

Published by Ventura County Star on Sep. 12, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Leonardo

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I would like to send my condolences. My father fought beside Mr. Leonardo in Vietnam. He was a gunner and was the one who shot Mr. Leonardo in the foot. They maintained a beautiful friendship until my father Ronald Husman passed Memorial Day 2015. We were blessed to meet Mr. Leonardo when he attended a birthday party for my daughter. He was such a great support for me for years during my fathers health decline. I will never forget the hundreds of phone calls at all times day and night just because my father or myself needed to talk to someone. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with our family. God Bless.

Shilo Knoll

April 28, 2022

I learned a lot from you Danny and looked up to you. Thanks for being a good friend. You were like a big brother to me although you never knew it. RIP Danny someday we will hang out again and listen to Tower of Power.....

Tom Anthony Schembri

May 15, 2020

"Dan the Man," I will certainly miss you. When I would visit with him and Cindie, he was funny, charming and the most gracious host. He was also a terrific grillmaster and bestowed upon me great gardening advice. A beautiful and special soul.

Linda Wilson

September 16, 2019

Rest in peace, brother. It was an honor to have served with you!

Jon Haigh

September 14, 2019

Dan was a Patriot, a Warrior, a Hero and a Dear Friend. May God Rest Your Soul. My Condolences to your Family and Friends.

Eden Barrera

September 13, 2019

Dan was a wonderful, cheerful FUNNY person. I met him through my son. Dan never left you wanting for a joke. When I would visit my son at work, it seemed as if Dan was there. He was ready with his machine gun rapid jokes and recollections.
I met Dans wife at my sons Wedding Reception. She is a very kind beautiful woman.
My heart full of sadness goes out to the Leonardo family. Dan wont have to suffer with pain any longer.
RIP Dan

Randy Sax

Friend

September 12, 2019

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Dan was a kind soul taken too soon.

Much love to the family.

Wendy Sanchez

September 12, 2019

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Memorial Events
for Daniel Leonardo

Sep

16

Memorial Mass

2:00 p.m.

St. Judes Catholic Church

3202 Lindero Canyon Rd., Westlake Village, CA 93010

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