Leonard Gilbert Galarsa's Obituary
Leonard Gilbert Galarsa was born on April 5,1952 in Redwood City, California. He grew up in Union City, California and attended Decoto Elementary School, Barnard White Middle School, and James Logan High School, where he was a member of the band and wrestling team. It was there that he met the love of his life Gloria, who he was married to for 46 years.
Leonard was a carpenter by trade who loved to water ski, snow ski, camp, fish, and attend Raider games. He loved sports, both watching and playing. He especially loved playing softball and golf. He even won the “Best Dressed” award in 2013 while part of the NoMads traveling golf club. He was a die hard Raiders and A’s fan. Leonard loved music and played in the band, Soul Minority, for several years. He also loved to dance and was always the life of the party. He made friends wherever he went.
In 1980, Leonard and Gloria had a beautiful daughter, Lenora. While attending UC Irvine, Lenora met her husband Christopher. Lenora and Chris lived in Southern California and had 2 sons, Brandon and Christopher Jr. Leonard was a doting grandfather and drove out to see them often. When Chris and Lenora moved to Albany, New York, Leonard and Gloria continued to visit often, making the long, cross country trek. He was also close with his nieces Alicia, Christina, and Angel and was a surrogate grandfather to Angel’s children Vicente and Lyla. He even named his beloved fantasy football team, Papa 4 times, to show his love for his 4 grandchildren.
Leonard was also a proud and devoted godfather to Danielle, Christopher, and his late niece Monica. He was blessed with many friends, nieces, and nephews and was known as “Uncle Leonard” to so many. He was loved by all who knew him.
Leonard is survived by his wife of 46 years, Gloria, his daughter Lenora, her husband Chris and his grandchildren Brandon, Vicente, Christopher Jr. and Lyla. His brother Daryl and his wife Sherry. His sister in-law Rosie and brother in-law Michael. His nieces, Maree, Amanda, Melinda, Lisa, Alicia, Angel, and Christina. As well as many great nieces and nephews.
He is reunited in Heaven with his son Gilbert Michael, parents Gilbert and Emily. His brother Edward, nephew Nathan, Father and Mother in law Miguel and Felipa, brother and sister-in law John and Josie and his best friend Mark, the walrus.
He will be loved, missed, and never forgotten.
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