Leonard Martinelli

Leonard passed away at the age of 85 in Merced, CA, in the loving care of his family after an extended battle with COPD. He was born in Merced and started farming with his dad, Frank and Uncle Baccio in 1954. Throughout his life, Leonard was a farmer growing tomatoes and bell peppers. During that time he was a director of the Tomato Growers Association and served as their secretary treasurer. He later had associations with Bianchi and Sons, DeMari Brothers and Pacific Triple E until January of 2013. Leonard was also a member of the Italo-American Lodge and Merced Colony Grange. Among the farming community he was everyone’s “Uncle Lenny.”

Leonard enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and going on cruises across the world. He loved spending time in Santa Cruz and Pismo Beach, California.

Leonard is survived by his devoted wife Linda of 37 years, daughters of his previous marriage of 25 years, Michelle Martinelli Thompson (Harold), Lynnette Martinelli Boyles (Barry), and his adopted daughter Lisa Martinelli Poe (Michael). He is also survived by his Grandchildren Harold Thompson III, Leonard Thompson (Nantanat), Victoria Thompson, Natalie Thompson (Jessi), Scott Boyles, Ashley Bandoni (Mario), Nolan Flores, and his 7 Great-Grandchildren. Leonard is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Victoria Martinelli, and brother Peter Martinelli.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Martinelli family.