Leonard Chicoine

Leonard graduated high school, took community college classes to become an electronics technician when he retired from the Navy.

Joined the US Navy in 1929, served from November 1928 through January 1956.

1929 played with the NTC Band at the opening of Fox Theatre downtown (now Copley Symphony Hall) during first wk at Naval Training Center … was Honored Guest at SD Symphony’s 75th Anniversary Gala.

Enlisted as Apprentice Seaman, promoted through all music branches to Chief Musician/Bandleader

NTC Band, under the baton of Leonard Chicoine, MUC, had a 1930’s half hour show every Sunday night at 2130 on KCBQ 1170; recorded at Naval Electronics Lab Pt Loma;. He became Chief Petty Officer, Navy Bandleader, and played the cornet.

Married Patricia Bantz of San Francisco July 16, in Long Beach CA, honeymoon at Russian River CA; lived in Long Beach, July 1937.

Stationed on the USS Lexington, USS Maryland, USS New Mexico, USS Hornet, USS New Jersey; and at NTC San Diego, Mare Island San Francisco and Agana Guam.

Saw combat duty WWII on the Hornet and New Mexico; during the Korean War on Guam.

On USS Hornet w Doolittle Raid on Tokyo; Battle of Midway; Battle of Santa Cruz Islands October 26, 1942d blown into water knocked unconscious and rescued after several hours in the water by a destroyer; USS Hornet later sunk by Japanese torpedoes in November. (Commander said don’t wear white socks so the sharks don’t attack your feet – old family story).

On USS Lexington w Nimitz.

Moved permanently to San Diego in 1953; bought house at 3368 Redwood St., North Park; now owned by daughter Susan Chicoine, Leonard lived out his days there happily, Susan now works for the Reuben H. fleet Science Center as PR Manager.

Worked as Electrolux salesman, Fuller Brush salesman; put in another 19 years at General Dynamics/Convair as an electronics technician.

An active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, his children went to St. Patricks and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart grammar schools; and Rosary and St. Augustine High Schools. For many years, he attended early morning mass at St. Augustine’s Chapel, walking to and from with friends daily.

His garage was his workshop, where he built, repaired, created anything his kids needed or broke. He was always out there making things work.

For many years, he walked the entire neighborhood on a daily basis, checking in with all of our neighbors and friends. More recently, Dad would sit out on the front porch and chats with neighbors and McKinley Grade School teachers, parents and schoolkids as they pass.

Wife Patricia Chicoine passed away December 18, 1995 at Balboa Naval Hospital.

Survived by 7 children, 27 grandchildren; 20+great-grandchildren; spread out all over the country:

Lee & Pam Chicoine of Renton WA, 4 kids;

Corinne & Frank Dooling of Tacoma WA, 4 kids;

Mary ChicoineSmith of Lawrenceburg KY, 2 kids;

Joe & Pam Chicoine of Lake Chelan, WA;

Deta (Theresa) & Don Stem of Squim, WA, 1 daughter;

Susan Chicoine of San Diego;

Donna & Phil Gomez of El Cajon, 10 kids.

Dad was a long-time regular at the National City Senior Center lunches, where the ladies always just called him “Hungry” in greeting, and he still returns to check on his cronies there when he can.

NB: Dad’s cousins are also quite long-lived: Aunt Irene Shearon passed a few days prior to her 103rd birthday; Aunt Gabe Perry is 101; living independently in Sioux City Iowa, and called to chat regularly.

Funeral arrangements – rosary and Mass to take place at St. Augustine’s Chapel early June (date tbd); family and friends memorial reception to follow.

He will join wife Patricia, interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.