Charles Leonard Dolce

Charles Leonard Dolce passed away peacefully in Austin, Texas, on May 15, 2026. He was born on September 28, 1937, in Port Arthur to Charles and Lena Gralino Dolce. Growing up in the “Golden Triangle”, he attended Thomas Jefferson High School where he served as the drum major for the school marching band. After graduating in 1956, he moved to his beloved Austin to attend the University of Texas.

After graduating from UT in 1960 with an undergraduate degree in Zoology, Leonard pursued his dental education at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston, earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1964 and a Master of Science in Periodontology in 1966. However, his heart belonged to Austin. He returned as soon as possible to establish his periodontal practice, but his most significant 'partnership' began in 1968 when he married Ann Johnston. Together, they spent the next 58 years building a life centered on family, faith, education and community.

Leonard’s life was defined by his determined resolve and seemingly tireless energy. A lifelong Longhorn, he remained deeply connected to and a supporter of the Texas Alpha chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, where he served as editor of Accolade, the chapter newsletter. He helped lead the alumni boards of both the UT and A&M chapters, building a foundation at both schools for years to come. He was also a member of various civic and community organizations, including the Downtown Rotary and The Bachelors of Austin, and was a charter member of the Knights of the Symphony.

In his more than 40 years of private practice, Leonard was known for the care he gave his patients and a deep dedication to his profession. He was a member of numerous professional organizations and gave of his time and expertise in various leadership roles with the Capital Area Dental Society, the Texas Den-Pac and the Texas Dental Association. As founder and chair of the Central Texas Institute for Implant Studies, he was one of the first local practitioners to champion permanent dental implants, a testament to his forward-thinking nature. He helped to establish the Capital Area Dental Foundation and the Austin Community College School of Dental Hygiene. He was recognized numerous times by the Texas Dental Association for his contributions to the field and was named Alumnus of the Year by the UT School of Dentistry in 2015.

Above all else, Leonard’s Catholic faith was central to his life. He worked tirelessly to promote parish life and Catholic education in the Diocese of Austin. He served as chair of both the St. Austin’s Parish Council and the School Board and was a member of the parish’s long-range planning committee. Leonard was one of the founders and first board chair of both St. Michael’s Catholic Academy (1984) and St. Gabriel’s Catholic School (1999), now collectively known as St. Michael’s Prep. In support of the school, he and several other dedicated volunteers established the St. Michael's Thrift Shoppe, providing scholarships and financial aid for a generation of students. He also led the initiative and building committee to construct the Queen of Angels Chapel in Spicewood. In recognition of his service, he was named a Knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and, alongside Ann, a Knight and Dame of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.

In 2008, Leonard and Ann built a house and retired to their family property on Lake Travis, a place where he could plant olive trees, relax, and create. He also loved their house in Pagosa Springs, CO, where he spent countless hours on the porch relishing in cool summer days and the beauty of the San Juan Mountains. A "frustrated architect" and occasional painter, Leonard filled his days with woodworking projects, travel, and spirited Longhorn football games. He was a consummate chef who never needed a recipe, instead recreating the flavors of his Italian heritage from memory—dishes that were never the same twice. He delighted in sharing all of this with his large circle of friends and family.

Leonard’s greatest pride was passing on his commitment to stewardship, his love of Austin, and his devotion to God to his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Noel Joseph Dolce. He is survived by his wife, Ann; his children, Christopher (Kacy), Jeffrey (Amy), and Catherine (Keith Daboub); and his grandchildren, Hank, Kaiki, Jack, and Cricket Dolce; Madolyn and Koke Dolce; and Johnston, Ginny, and Hana Daboub. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Judy Hyatt (Andy); cousins Peggy McClintock (Rich) and B.J. Gralino (Sheila); and a host of extended family and lifelong friends.

A memorial Mass will be held on May 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Queen of Angels Chapel in Spicewood, Texas. Pallbearers will be his sons and grandsons, along with Thomas Brocato, Rich McClintock, and Andy Hyatt.

The family would like to thank the staff of Belmont Village Lakeway, Jessica Johnson, and the volunteers at Bright Horizons of Emmaus Catholic Parish. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be made to St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School (www.smcprep.org), Bright Horizons (www.emmausparish.org), or the Capital Area Dental Foundation (www.capitalareadentalfoundation.org).

As Leonard would often say with a wink or a sly look, “It was good for you to see me.” It was more than good, it was a blessing, and we will miss seeing you every day.