Leo Eugene Bringetto

Leo was born April 2nd, 1931 in Kerman, CA to Paolo and Angelina Bringetto. He attended Empire Elementary and Kerman High School, where he participated in four sports: baseball, track, football and basketball. He played in two County Championships and one Valley Championship. He graduated in 1949. Leo was drafted into the Marine Corps during the Korean War in 1952 and served until 1954. He received the Expert Rifleman pin.

Leo married Shirley Simonian in 1952, and together shared three children – Debbie, Theresa and Mark. He was a cabinet maker at West Fresno Planning Mill for 15 years. In 1963, he and his two brothers, Augie and Carlo, started West Fresno Cabinet Shop. He had such passion and satisfaction for the accomplishments of his craftsmanship. Leo retired after 44 years as a cabinet maker. Leo believed strongly in the strength of unions - he was a fifty-year lifetime member of Local 1496 then continued as a member of Local 701.

Leo was inducted into the American Bowling Congress (ABC) Hall of Fame. He bowled a near perfect game of 299 with 11 strikes in a row at the age of 78. In 2009 he was also an inductee of the Kerman High School Wall of Fame for his outstanding performance on the football field as the starting quarterback for 3 years, leading the team and calling all the plays on the field. Leo was a long time member of the Verdi Club and the Central Valley Bowling Club where he served as President and a Director.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Angelina and Paolo; brothers Dorino, Augie, Carlo, Victor and Mario; sister Adeline; son Mark; and granddaughter Nicole Dunn.

Leo is survived by his wife Shirley; daughters Debbie Nunn and Theresa Dunn and her husband Kevin Leach; grandsons James Dunn and his wife Tammy and Derek Nunn; granddaughter Tiffany Apodaca and her husband Tony; and 7 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Leo will be remembered for his pride of family with special love and appreciation for his wife Shirley of nearly 70 years, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved family gatherings where he could catch up on everyone’s life and share some laughs and words of wisdom. He taught his grandsons the importance of a firm handshake along with the significance of hard work while always assuring he was there for them.

As he settled into retirement he also enjoyed the company and discussions with friends and patrons of Lucky’s Donut House.

Visitation will be held at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 from 10:30 to 11:30 am, followed by a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 11:30 am. A Funeral service will held at 12:00 pm with interment to follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.