Photo courtesy of Adobe Creek Funeral Home - Petaluma
Petaluma, California
Jul 5, 1944 – Jan 15, 2011
Passed away in Palm Springs, California January 15, 2011 after a brief illness. Loving father of Stephanie A. Nevin (David) of San Rafael and Danielle M. Rogers (Shane) of Folsom. Dear son of the late Ralph M. and Elinore E. Cheda, brother of Ralph M. Cheda (Claudia) of Brentwood and Vernon E. Cheda (Mary Ann) of Petaluma. Beloved grandfather of Tyler C., Katelyn G., and Grant C. Rogers, Cameron C. and Connor C. Nevin. Dearest friend of Guy E. Francoz and John J. Matteucci. Leroy is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and cousins. A long time Mill Valley resident and native of Point Reyes Station, age 66 years. Leroy graduated from Tomales High School, Class of 1962. He went to work for Russell & Gooch Funeral Chapel in Mill Valley in 1969, attended and graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1972. In 1975, he became co-owner of Russell & Gooch with John Matteucci, owning and operating until 1998. After retiring, Leroy then worked part time for Adobe Creek Funeral Home in Petaluma serving Marin and Sonoma counties. He was proud of his dedication to the community in funeral service for over 42 years. He was a member and Past President of the Italian Catholic Federation, St. James Br. #161 of Larkspur, Marvelous Marin Lodge #1969, Sons of Italy of Fairfax, member and Past President of the Redwood Empire Funeral Directors Assoc., and the Native Sons of the Golden West, Sea Point Parlor #158 of Sausalito. Friends are invited to the visitation Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 2PM until 8PM at the ADOBE CREEK FUNERAL HOME, 331 Lakeville Street, Petaluma, CA. Friends are invited to attend the funeral mass Friday, January 21, 2011 at 11AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 3 Oakdale Avenue, Mill Valley, CA. . Entombment will be at Valley Memorial Park, Novato, CA. At Leroy's request, memorial gifts are preferred to the Carousel Fund, 17 Buckeye Court, Petaluma, CA 94952 or to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be made at adobecreekfuneralhome.com
Read MoreGone for such a long time, but always in our hearts and prayers!
Mandy Engeln
January 11, 2025 | Mill Valley, CA | Acquaintance
We miss you and St. Patrick church as never been the same without you. RIP, you were one of a kind, everyone loved you
Dolores Enos
January 11, 2024 | Larkspur, CA | Friend
Remembering a good friend ... Leroy took care of my father´s remains in 1994, arranging for viewing in Daly City and then shipping them to Mexico, Pampanga, Philippines, dealing with local and international arrangements, permits, and other documents because his funeral services company was in Marin. Leroy was always fun to be with; he enjoyed food, serious conversations, small talks, jokes, music, noise, and White Swallow, our favorite piano bar on Polk St. Kind, generous, dapper, and...
Danny (Danny and Billy)
January 12, 2023
One of the finest people I have Known. Gone but not forgotten for all the good kind deeds you did for all of us. Rest in Peace dear Leroy.
Dolores Enos
January 11, 2022 | Friend
Two months already, and I miss You so much. Love You, GUY
Guy Francoz
March 25, 2011 | Mill Valley, CA
I first met Leroy when he came to our home after my father passed away. My mother knew him from church. At a time when we were all lost and grieving, Leroy said and did all the right things to make a difficult time much more bearable. After reading other letters, I see he had a gift and he apparently used it to help humanity and add a little more light to all our lives. We have always been grateful to Leroy and will never forget him. Our condolences to all his loved ones.
The McInerney...
Marie McInerney
February 13, 2011 | Fort Lauderdale, FL
So many wonderful, loving testimonies from families Leroy guided through their darkest times. A life well lived in the service of others, he was a joy to be around. He balanced the not-easily-balanced life of a funeral director eloquently and with great class. A life to be emulated, he will be greatly missed, but even more greatly remembered.
Eric Butler
February 03, 2011 | Bay Village, OH
My condolences to the family. Leroy was a longtime friend of mine and provided thoughtful service to my family when we suffered a loss. He will be greatly missed.
Fred Peters
February 01, 2011 | Mill Valley, CA
To the family of Mr. Leroy W. Cheda. Our prayers and heart felt condolences go out to you. Mr. Cheda touched our lives when we lost our mother Mrs. Addie Simmons in 1992. Be encourged and know that he was loved and respected by all he assisted in their time of need.
May God bless you.
Janice Simmons-Trapp
January 30, 2011 | Tyler, TX