Steven Donald Leggett's Obituary
Steven Donald Leggett of Newark passed away on May 9, 2022, at the age of 75. He was born in Hayward on February 27, 1947, to Paul Leroy Leggett and Gloria Jean Leggett. He resided in Hayward with his parents and his brother Doug until 1965 when they moved to Fremont. In May of 1966 Steve was drafted into the armed forces. He was a Vietnam War veteran who served valiantly in the U.S. Army. He was discharged on his 21st birthday and would often tell the story that it his birthday was 33 hours long because of his flight back to the states. Steve enjoyed his time in the service and learned many skills and lessons that he carried with him through his life and career.
After Steve was discharged, he began working for Pacific Bell as a lineman and it was during that time he met his future wife Judy. Judy worked at the service station where he would take his dogcatcher whenever it needed oil, luckily for Steve that was quite often. Steve and Judy were married on January 16, 1971. Shortly thereafter they welcomed their first daughter, Paula in 1971, son Steven in 1974 and daughter Laura in 1980.
In 1970, through Judy’s father and Steve’s future father-in-law, he began his 33-year career at Oro Loma Sanitary District where he eventually retired as a Senior Operator in 2003. He treasured the many friendships that he made at his time at Oro Loma.
In 1995, Steve lost his wife Judy at the age 47. It was a devastating loss, but Steve was given a second chance at happiness when he was introduced to Julia Machado by a mutual friend. They were married September 25, 1999. Steve was blessed to have 2 marriages that lasted over 23 years, respectively.
Steve was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Steve was the master of garage organization. His garage was a shrine where the neighborhood kids grew up, played, and learned about life. It was his favorite place to build, tinker, talk with family, friends, and the mailman. Steve had many aliases depending on who you were in his life which were Honey, Stevie Don, Big Steve, Dad, Papa, Grandpa, Pops, Lego, and Steve “lowkey” Leggett.
He was a wordsearch and Jeopardy fanatic, but his favorite way to pass time was watching old westerns, his favorite being Hopalong Cassidy. Steve was quiet, but his doors were always open to friends and family. He had a profound impact on numerous lives which was evident in the 40+ year friendships with his neighbors and his 70-year friendship with Jim Rainey which he treasured, especially over the past year.
He was a simple man who led an honest life. He was not flashy, but he was generous and did whatever he could to help those closest to him. He wanted his children to thrive and find success and happiness. Thankfully he was able to see that come to fruition. His biggest accomplishment and source of pride were his children.
Steve is survived by his wife, Julia Leggett, his children, Paula Miller (James Miller), Laura Leggett (Steven Taylor), and Steven Leggett (Yvonne Leggett). Also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Nevin Miller, Steven Taylor, Kyler Miller, Yvonne Leggett, Brock Leggett, and Khalil Taylor. He was preceded in death by his wife Judy Leggett, father Paul Leggett, mother Gloria Leggett and brother, Douglas Leggett.
The stories of his love, friendship and devotion are endless, and could go on for hours, but in a fitting tribute to Steve, “Lets Uh…Keep it Low Key”.
A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on May 27, 2022, at the Chapel of the Chimes
Flowers and condolences may be offered at 32922 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94587
Celebration of life to follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Newark Pavilion, 6430 Thornton Ave, Newark, CA 94560
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