Leslie Leal

1930 - 2024

Leslie Paul Leal

October 8, 1930 - January 24, 2024

Leslie Paul Leal, aged 93, of Santa Maria, California, peacefully passed away on January 24, 2024, at his home. Les was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Les was born to William and Belle (Ramalho) Leal on October 8, 1930, in Santa Maria, California. He graduated from Santa Maria High School and married his wife, Suzann (Loomis) Leal, before going into the US Army and serving in the Korean War.

He returned from the war and briefly went to work for Knudsen Dairy. Shortly thereafter Les was hired on at PG & E where he worked his way up to an electrical engineer position for a successful career that spanned 35 years.

Throughout their lifetime together, Les and Suzann enjoyed traveling the world and spending time at their Lake Nacimiento place. He was a gifted woodworker and built their first family boat himself. Les was known for patiently teaching many beginners how to waterski behind his boat. After a day of waterskiing, he happily barbequed for anyone who happened to show up. Les was incredibly social and loved to entertain and feed people.

Another special spot for Les was the Oceano Dunes. He frequently camped with Suzann and his sons in their trailer on the beach there. Les competed in hill climbs, obstacle courses and drag races as a member of the Santa Maria Four-Wheeler club.

Les was a longstanding member of Elks Club #1538 and served there in many capacities. Upon his passing, he had been an active member for 63 years. One of his favorite activities was going to the club on Saturdays, with his good friend Bill, for hot dogs, beer, and playing pool. He and Suzann also enjoyed many years traveling with the Elks Traveleers.

As the patriarch of a large extended family, Les leaves a huge void and will be so missed at many family celebrations. He was larger than life and lived more than someone half his age. We know he is with his beloved Suzann now, and they are both watching over all who loved them so much.

Les leaves behind his two sons, Todd (George) Leal and Tim (Stacy) Leal, two grandchildren, Trevor (Monique) Leal and Triana (Hunter) Sims, and two great grandchildren, Bradyn and Braxton Leal.

Preceded in death by his wife Suzann Loomis Leal, parents William and Isabel (Ramalho) Leal, and his three siblings: Melvin Leal, George Leal, and Hilda Bisho.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to send a donation in his name to St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church, 1190 E. Clark Ave., Santa Maria, California, 93455.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm with the Rosary beginning at 6:00pm. The Graveside service will be on Friday, February 9, 2024 at 10:00 am at the Santa Maria Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Elks Lodge in Santa Maria at 11:30am.

Visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.