Paul was survived by his Fiance Mary Johnson of Le Grand, Daughters Patrice Foley and Rochelle Dunn, Grandsons Wyatt Lockett and Waylan Foley, Clover Dunn, Harlen Dunn, Everett Dunn and Grandaughter Naomi Dunn, of Mariposa, Sister Mary Landy of Lodi and many cousins, nieces, nephews family members and friends. Paul was preceded in death by his Mother Isabel, Father John Leonardo, Sister Zibbie Samuelson, and Brother John Leonardo.
Paul grew up in the valley milking cows and going to school until he was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War 1969. Paul was the first of his family to graduate with a High School diploma. Once drafted, Paul was 101st Airborne Infantry Sergeant. The “Screaming Eagles” He was a proud Veteran who loved his country and believed in the American Dream.
Paul made his living in the dirt his entire life, working as a Ranch Foreman for Brights Nursery for many years while building his herd of Commercial Beef cows. He was able to retire and live his dream of being a fulltime Cattleman in 1996 which he continued to do until God called him home.
Paul was an honest, loyal, loving man who loved people and life. Anywhere he went he never knew a stranger. God, family and friends were the most important thing in his life, next to his animals. He loved getting away and running to Reno, but never for too long. He couldn’t leave his animals unattended. He loved dancing, no matter where he was, if there was music playing you would find him making a dance floor and never wasting a single song.
Paul was old school, he did most of his business transactions with a handshake, and everybody who did business with him knew you could take that to the bank. He was definitely a man of his word. He worked hard every single day of his life, to leave behind a legacy for his Grandchildren. Paul was the type of man who would give you the shirt off his back to help out a friend, he was humble but also proud. He was one of the happiest people you could ever meet, but he also wasn’t afraid to stand up for what was right. No matter what or who he was standing up against.
Paul’s passing will leave a void in everybody who he ever touched. They don’t make them like him anymore. The life legacy and love he left behind is what we all will carry with us.
His celebration of life will be Saturday September 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Brights Barn located at 16120 Buchanan Hollow Road Le Grand, CA 95333.
