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Tony Leonardo Obituary

passed away in the early morning hours on Sunday, February 26, 2012 in the comfort of his home ~ just as he wished. He had been battling lung cancer ~ the Camel non filters finally got the best of him. We would like to especially thank his brother, Johnny for staying with him for the last couple of months. As Johnny learned, Dad gave new meaning to the word "caregiver"! Dad was born in 1933 to Frank Joseph and Emelia Simas Leonardo in Samoa, California (if he had written this, he would have had you believe he was born on the Madaket). Dad was a longtime dairyman operating Leonardo and Son Dairy at Grizzly Bluff along with his son Rich. He also worked at Fortuna Veneer, tended bar at the Victorian Inn in Ferndale, was auctioneer extraordinaire and volunteered his services at many fund raising events. Dad enjoyed ocean fishing so much he bought a boat, got his commercial fishing license and was known as the Portagee Fisherman. He was a member and past president of Rotary. He and our Mom, Gerry moved to town after purchasing the Fern Motel in Ferndale, which they owned and operated for many years. When they first moved to town, we thought "this will never work, someone as loud, opinionated and foul mouthed as him cannot live this close to other people and businesses." But live there they did and most people adjusted to him ~ eventually! Dad loved going to the Eldorado in Reno where they made him feel like a king and he also loved playing poker in his own garage, where he really was king. He was quite proud of being on an Eldorado billboard along the Highway in Reno. He was a gambler at heart and loved making bets and proving you wrong (because he never was)! He was also a great cheater and Mom was quite proud on the days she out cheated him. Dad loved to BS and argue! He told more lies that were the "absolute truth" than anyone we know. He was proud to have been able to help out a lot of people in his lifetime and it wasn't unusual to have unexpected guests at the dinner table or spending the night. He is survived by his children, Ginger (John), Tony (Jan) and Rich. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brian (Nikki), Michelle, Shannon (Amy), Lucas (Cassie), Sierra (Phil), Trevor (Maesa) and great grandchildren, Jessica, Shaun and Ava. He is also survived by his sister, Emily Gomes, Brother Frank (Annie) Leonardo, brother John Leonardo, step sister Annie (Tony) Leonardo and step brother Joe Gomes, and honorary family member Loretta Alexandre. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Dad was preceded in death by his wife, Gerry Leonardo in September 2011 and his beloved daughter Tina on February 3, 2005. His Mom died when he was just 3 years old. His Dad later married Adeline Gomes and he is preceded in death by both of them as well as his sisters and brother-in-laws: Mary & Walter Carpenter, Lena and Tony Branco, Lily and John Nunes, Rosie & Kenneth Morehead and Jack Rocha as well as his brothers and sister-in-law, Frank Leonardo and Joe and Beulah Leonardo. There will be a private graveside service for family at the Ferndale Cemetery. There will be a public Memorial service on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 12:00pm at Belotti Hall at the Ferndale Fair Grounds (lunch will be served). Please follow signs as the Foggy Bottoms Milk Run is that day and many of the roads in Ferndale will be blocked. Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Queen, Tom Conti, Kuks Toste, Bob Mooneyham, Charlie Lakin, Uffe Christiansen, John (Hooter) Krogstad, Tony Leonardo, Joe Buccola, Jerry Bruga, Gene Fusi, Jim Redd, Jimmy Smith, Jeff Farley, Lowell Daniels, Dick Lindsay, Blake Alexandre, Dayton Titus, Harry Hardin and Lino Mogni In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to The Ferndale Museum, PO Box 431, Ferndale, California 95536, The Tina Scholarship Fund in care of: Humboldt Area Foundation, 373 Indianola Rd., Bayside, California 95524, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Goble's Fortuna Mortuary, Fortuna, California. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times-Standard from Mar. 7 to Mar. 8, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Tony Leonardo

Not sure what to say?





Kay Waggoner

October 15, 2012

I just heard about your dad. My husband Ben and I used to come up every year, sometimes twice a year, and stay at the Fern Motel. Ben enjoyed joking around with Tony and your mom was always so nice. We also remember your sister Tina. Ben passed away in June of 2011. I have many happy memories of him and I in Ferndale.

July 26, 2012

To the family,
Sorry about the loss of your mom then your dad.
Rory Neumann & Family

Kriss Lewis

March 14, 2012

Ginger, Tony, Rich and family,
I feel blessed to have been part of the Grizzly Bluff family of friends. Growing up with such wonderful parents, sharing good times and bad will always be memories I cherish. Here's to all the pedro players in heaven! God Bless you all!

March 13, 2012

Sorry we missed the services on Sunday.We were coming home that day. To Tony, Rich & Ginger we will miss your Dad as will all the people of Ferndale. Glad to have shared many laughs with Tony over all these years.
David & Sandy Trutalli

March 12, 2012

So sorry I missed the services, I was out of town, but heard that it was lovely. Love to you all,
Lisa Perry

Francis & Vicki Hawkins

March 11, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

March 11, 2012

Jim Paradise

Kathie & Betty Simas

March 11, 2012

So sorry for your loss...I know what it is like to lose a father, especially one who is such a character. Your dad and mine were first cousins and oh, the Portugese celebrations! I can't make the service (Mom isn't up to it) but we will toast him tonight with a glass of wine. Love to you all...

'Uncle Tony' at our wedding. 4/16/88

Jay & Polly Johnson

March 10, 2012

Ginger, Tony and Rich,we are grieving your loss with you. We love your family... for so many reasons! Loving you in prayer across the miles.

March 10, 2012

Feeling your loss~Your Dad was a great guy. Our prayers are with your family in this time of sorrow. Mary Ann and Janice Stewart.

Words of wisdom for the bride! Probably included a few threats and promises. :)

March 9, 2012

Uncle Tony & Aunt Gerry in Washington State, when Tony stepped in to give me away at my wedding in place of my dad, Hoyt Good, his dear friend..

March 9, 2012

Chris Good

March 9, 2012

Tony was aa great person in so many ways. I especially liked that he never wavered in his behavior. What you see and hear is tony, and he didn't change for anyone or anything, at least that I know of. I will always miss Tony and Gerry, they were great friends. Love to all the family, Chris Good

John Michel Jr.

March 9, 2012

Ginger, Tony, and Rich, I am sorry to hear of Tony's passing. I have great memories of your family. Thinking of all of you at this time.

Charles Bowman

March 8, 2012

I have known Tony for many years. He was well liked by all who knew him.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Charles Bowman
Salem,Oregon

Vangie & Mike Steers

March 8, 2012

To all of Tony Leonardo"s family, our deepest condolances.

Mel and Sharon Berti

March 8, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

greg lorenzo

March 8, 2012

Sorry for your loss. Greg and Ginger Lorenzo

Steve Good

March 7, 2012

Our heartfelt sympathy to the Leonardo family, a geunine loving and caring people.

Chris, Melanie, Polly, & Wendy; Good family, Arkansas & Hawaii, Steve Good

Steve Rogers

March 7, 2012

To all of the Leonardo family, our deepest condolences. Steve and Kathleen

Winnie Beal

March 7, 2012

Oh Tony, I'll so miss your big heart, your laugh, and your spirit of fun in all you did!
Love Winnie!

Heather Anderson-Toland

March 7, 2012

Richie and family, so sorry for your loss. Your dad was always fun to visit with.

Tom Rausch

March 7, 2012

Ginger,Tony ,Richard,I Want To Let You Know How Sorry I Fill About The Loss Of Your Dad.I Will Always Remember Him .If Men Are Judged By There Character UNCLE TONY Will Always Be At The Top Of That List...

Brad & Nancy Chamberlain

March 7, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this hard time

Debbie Renner

March 7, 2012

I will always remember the stories my Dad would tell about the mischief he and Tony would get in to. They had some great memories. Tony will be greatly missed by the entire community.

Dennis and Jennifer Grandy & Family

March 7, 2012

You are all in our hearts and prayers...may your hearts all heal with time.
Much love...

ELAINE PELASCINI

March 7, 2012

RICH AND FAMILY, I AM SOOO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOU DADS PASSING. TONY WAS THE FUNNIEST AND MOST CARING MAN I HAVE KNOWN. FERNDALE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. I WILL MISS TONY ALOT. LOVED THAT MAN. LOTS OF GREAT MEMORIES.

Micki Phillips

March 7, 2012

Rich, I am so sorry for your loss. It has been 40 years since I spent a lot of time with your family but some memories last forever. It is those memories that make my years in Ferndale some of the best I have had. You are in my familys thoughts and prayers. Micki (Shields) Phillips (Battle Ground, Wa)

Larry & Joy Griffith

March 7, 2012

I was sorry to hear of Tony's passing; our thoughts and prayers go out to the Leonardo family. In my opinion Tony is an Icon to Ferndale's History. If you didn't know the man you were probably a tourist. No matter what you may have thought about Tony you just had to like the guy. Tony will be missed by all those he helped out along the way.

Larry Salmon

March 7, 2012

Ferndale will never be the same, its men like Tony that give Ferndale its character.

Paul Smith

March 7, 2012

Rich and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you during this time of grief.

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