Leon Henri Galleto

Leon Henri Galleto 1931-2009 Leon Galleto, died after a long illness on September 24, 2009. A Memorial Service will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 25 in Marinship Park in Sausalito. For more information visit http://rememberingleon.wordpress.com. He was born August 20, 1931 in Strasbourg, France, where he attended art school. He studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark. In the 1950s he designed ceramic sculptures for Saxbo in Denmark and exhibited his works in Europe. Traveling to the United States in 1958 Leon joined the staff at Heath Ceramics. He launched the company's line of three-dimensional ceramic tiles. Working closely with Mrs. Heath for 25 years, he developed marketing strategies for the company's distinctive dinnerware and tile that caused the business to thrive. He took a second job as maitre d' at Sausalito's Valhalla Restaurant, owned by former madam, Sally Stanford, who was then serving as mayor of Sausalito. Leon was a lively addition to the restaurant. In 1983, Mr. Galleto joined San Francisco Gift Center Associates as a sales and marketing consultant. Later he became Vice President of Marketing at Marin Scope Community Newspapers, from which he retired in 2003. He served on the Board of the Friends of the Sausalito Art Festival for many years. He also served as a member and board member on numerous other organizations in Marin County. He was a member of the Sausalito Rotary Club for 30 years and was a longtime member of the International Wine and Food Society. He was honored at the Sausalito Art Festival in 1998 by The City of Sausalito and the Marin County Board of Supervisors for his outstanding service to the Festival. He received the Spirit of Marin award, presented by Bank of Marin, in 2002. Leon was well loved and established friendships all over the world. Always ready with a kiss, a song, a hug or a prank, he will be missed. He is survived by his daughter, Francoise Stovall; his ex-wife, Beth; his brother Bernard Zugmeyer and nephews Yves, Bertrand, Eric, Laurent, and Gil Zugmeyer.