Edward H. Leonard

Eddie Leonard passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 2, at the age of 90. Born April 10, 1936, in Los Angeles to the late George and Frances (Cerrito) Leonard, he was the first of their seven children and lived in Monterey since early childhood. Throughout his adolescence, Eddie was lovingly mentored by his maternal uncles, who taught him the Sicilian language and helped cultivate his tireless work ethic, love of fishing and desire to enter the restaurant business. He attended San Carlos Grammar School, Junipero Memorial High School, and graduated from Monterey High School in 1954, where he was an outstanding two-sport athlete.

In August 1957, he married his sweetheart, Bella Pironi. Together they built a family, raised five children, and became the proud Nannu and Nanna of seven grandchildren and three great-granddaughters. For most of his life, Eddie lived on Monterey’s Spaghetti Hill and worked as a fisherman, tile setter, restauranteur, car salesman, and caterer, while managing their apartments. He was also a generous philanthropist, giving his time and resources to many people and organizations in the community.

Alaska salmon fishing was one of Eddie’s greatest passions. For more than 40 years, he spent his summers fishing the waters of Alaska, returning home with stories, memories, and plenty of salmon to share. He loved the adventure, the camaraderie, the hard work, and being on the water. Each summer brought something he genuinely looked forward to, and Alaska remained one of his favorite places and experiences throughout his life.

A man of many talents, his family and friends will remember his creativity in the kitchen, green thumb, humorous storytelling, and golden buttery voice. A gathering wasn’t complete until Ed sang his renditions of Elvis and countless classics from the 50s and 60s. His signature song, “Sweet Caroline”, would electrify crowds at weddings, charity events, and parties.

He co-owned and operated The Cove Restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf (1966-1971), Fish Market Restaurant on Cannery Row (1971-1974), and Nana’s Pizza at the High St gate to the Presidio (1978-1982).

His favorite pastimes included mornings in downtown Monterey, sharing stories and memories with his coffee buddies, and watching his beloved Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Francisco Giants. Time with family, cooking for two or 800, barbecues, camping in Big Sur, vacationing in the “BellnMe” motorhome, and hosting holidays and parties brought him great happiness.

For 33 years, Eddie and Bella were members of the Italian Catholic Federation, where he led kitchen volunteers and helped carry on the annual Friday Lenten Fish Fry dinners begun by his father more than 43 years ago. He remained a fixture in the ICF kitchen through this past spring, making the pasta sauces and garlic butter spread that helped serve more than 3,700 guests over the six-week Lenten season. He loved the ICF and continued to serve as a trustee of Branch 36 in Monterey. Eddie was also a member of the Italian Heritage Society of the Monterey Peninsula, Elk’s Lodge, Moose Lodge, Compari Club, and Amici Club.

His generosity and commitment to his community were recognized in 2010 by both the Italian Catholic Federation and the Italian Heritage Society of the Monterey Peninsula. The ICF bestowed him with the Family of the Year award at their national convention, and the Italian Heritage Society recognized him at their annual Honoree dinner. These awards reflected the values Eddie lived every day: Family, friendship, community, faith, and giving back. Eddie had many wonderful friends and knew he was blessed. His Catholic faith was deeply rooted in his life.

Eddie is survived by his beloved wife, Bella; children George (Greta), Francesca (Brian), Frank (Kathleen), Jennifer (Mike), and MaryAnne (Luis); grandchildren Jimmy (Samantha), Michael (Kristin), Catherine (Travis), Edward, Lorenzo, Carolina, and Anton; and great-granddaughters Madison, Greta, and Charlotte. He is also survived by his siblings Phyllis (Don), Elizabeth, Michael (Diane), and Debra (Marc), as well as several generations of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his sisters Sally (Peter) and Evelyn (Peter), and brother-in-law Rick.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, from 5–7 p.m. at San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey, with Vigil at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral on Friday, September 11, at 10 a.m., followed by committal at San Carlos Cemetery.

The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to San Carlos Cathedral or Italian Catholic Federation, Branch 36, in Monterey.