Sidney F. Leon
Resident of Livermore
Sid was born on April 19th, 1932 in Hilo, HI. He moved to Oakland at age 2, and was a lifetime resident of the Bay Area, most recently of Livermore. Sid left us to be with God, his mother, brothers and sisters on October 27, 2014.
He graduated from Oakland High School in 1950 [sic]. He was a decorated Marine Corps Vet having enlisted in 1952 and being wounded in action in Korea in March of 1953. He was proud of his service and a Marine until the end. You always knew when he was around because of the Marine Corps stickers you'd find on your car, windows, or whatever else they would stick to.
He was a born entrepreneur. Having worked as an owner of auto parts stores, a machine shop, automotive electronics repair shop, hot dog stand, sports card shop, race horse owner, teacher with the Hayward USD, and an inventor. He never made a million but loved what he did.
He enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing and a day at the track. He was a sportsman and an avid fan of the Giants, A's and 49ers. Later in life he participated in the annual "Golden Age Games", traveling the U.S. and winning multiple gold, silver and bronze medals. He was also a member of the BPOE and gave freely of his time to assist anyone or organization that could use his help.
But his greatest passion in life was entertainment and the joy it brought to others. Having performed in numerous musical productions throughout the Bay Area he was recognized as a viable talent and offered opportunities to advance in that career, but he chose to be with his family and bring us his special brand of joy individually, either through a song, humor or outgoing personality. If you ever met Sid, you were in awe. He wouldn't touch your heart, he'd grab it, and you will never forget him.
His happiness in life was bringing happiness to others, always giving and asking for nothing in return.
He was a unique, loving and caring man who God put on this earth for our benefit. The mold has been broken, all we can do is take a piece of him with us, remember the joy he brought to us and perhaps pass a part of that along to another. He would like that, and his legacy will live on.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Emily, three brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his brother Ed and sister in-law Mary, sons Brad and Brian, daughters Mary and Rebecca, numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and countless friends, all of whom he considered family. One of the most important persons in his life, his constant companion and his soul mate for almost 40 years, Betty, and Betty's daughters Michelle and Laurie and their families who Sid considered as his own extended family.
So to our "love, brother, dad, uncle, grandpa, grand dad, pop, papa and The Great One" we say thank you for everything you have given us. Thank you for teaching us through your example how to be gentle, kind, tolerant and a giving person. And thank you for all the happiness and wonderful memories you have instilled into our lives. You will never be forgotten. Semper Fi!
Family and friends are invited to visit after 10:00AM and to the funeral service at 11:00AM both on Tuesday, November 4th, at Holy Angles Funeral & Cremation Center, 1051 Harder Rd., Hayward. All family and friends are encouraged to attend and help us celebrate Sid's life.
