Leon George Cabero

Dec. 5, 1933 - April 19, 2012

The world lost a bright and shining spirit with the passing of Leon George Cabero on April 19, 2012. Born December 5, 1933, Leon came into the world the day prohibition was lifted - a fact he jokingly boasted of from time to time. Leon was the son of Leon G. Cabero, Sr., a Greek immigrant, and Annie Mary Hearn, a native of Hawkinsville, GA. He had one older brother, George, who died in 1982.

Living a fascinating and diverse life, Leon worked as a youth in his uncle's caf\é (Nick's Caf\é) in Hawkinsville, GA, and later went on to The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, a place he loved dearly and would describe fondly throughout his life. After graduating from Sewanee with a degree in history, he served in the Army in Alaska and then returned to Hawkinsville where he sold tractors and farmed.

The 1960s began his time in Atlanta, GA where he completed all his Ph.D. course work in modern European history at Emory University, taught history at the Atlanta School of Art, and eventually became a prominent director at Community Friendship in Atlanta until 1980. Returning to Hawkinsville to help his family, he worked as an officer at Planters Bank until his retirement in the early 1990's., thereafter returning to Atlanta. He eventually moved to San Francisco in 1995 where he could be found daily on 24th Street laughing and enjoying coffee and conversation at his favorite caf\é. For his final 10 years he lived in Vallejo, CA with his devoted friend and partner of 19 years John David Dayton.

No matter what he did or where he lived, Leon was revered by his peers and friends. He laughed loudly, and often, and was kind and courteous to all people. He possessed a natural ability to put others at ease and make them want to be near him. An avid reader, Leon was always acquiring books, and his book cases were jam-packed with mystery novels and history books. He had a fondness for food, architecture, and history. He loved travel and made several trips to Europe, including three trips to his ancestral homeland, Greece. All that knew him loved him, and the impression Leon made on them was strong and lasting.

A Memorial service will be held in Saturday, May 5 at the St Luke's Episcopal Church in Hawkinsville, GA at 11:00 a.m.