Surrounded by his family, Leonard went peacefully home to the Lord on Friday July 29, 2011.

His great-grandparents emigrated from the Madeira Islands to Hawaii in 1906. Leonard was born in Honolulu, Hawaii to James and Katherine Neves on
Feb. 7, 1949. Their family moved to California in 1950.

Leonard grew up in Redwood City and attended Menlo Atherton High School. He lived in San Jose for a number of years before settling in Manteca in 1985.

 In 1967 Leonard married Cathy Bennett. He remarried to Jackie Simpson in July 1989.

Leonard accepted Christ as his Savior on Nov 1, 1987. He attended Cross-roads Grace Community Church. He never hesitated to share his faith in God with others.

For the last ten years Leonard was employed by the City of Manteca in Parks Maintenance. Prior to that he worked for Raychem Corporation in Menlo Park for twenty two years. Leonard was also employed by Cello-tape in Mountain View for thirteen years.

He enjoyed reading, movies, playing games, family gatherings and spending time at Angels Camp. Leonard was also a faithful 49er fan. Fishing was a favorite hobby of Leonard’s. In August of 2008 he experienced some really great fishing on a trip to Alaska.

Leonard is survived by Jackie, his loving and devoted wife of twenty two years, his daughters, Christina Fazio of New Hampshire and Carolyn Perez of Tracy and sons, Ken Neves of Newark and Matthew Neves of Manteca, brothers, Jason Neves of Manteca and Don Neves of San Jose and sister, Carol Sue Feil of Dixon. He also leaves behind four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Jimmy and Walt.

Out of respect for Leonard’s wishes to not have a public memorial service, the family will be holding a private Celebration of Life Ceremony.

Memorial donations may be made to: American Cancer Society, (800) 227-2345 or to Hospice of San Joaquin, (209) 957-3888. Donations can also be made online.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Thursday, August 4, 2011