Alfred Moses Leonetti passed away in the comfort of his home and surrounded by family on June 3rd, 2011, after a short illness. He was a long time resident of Morgan Hill and San Martin and known for his over 50 years of community involvement. He graduated from San Martin Elementary School, and Live Oak High School. He served in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946, and earned a BS in political science from Santa Clara University in 1950.
Al was first elected to public office in Morgan Hill community as a city council member in 1956. He served as mayor of Morgan Hill from 1958 to 1960 and was a member of the planning commission from 1966 to 1969 and in 1974 completed his second 4 year term as a city councilman. Al was a member of the Santa Clara County Transportation and expressway committee which was responsible for establishing a master expressway system for the entire county. Al was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Morgan Hill Merchants Association, Morgan Hill Swim Club Parents, Morgan Hill Choraleers and American Field Service Student Exchange Program. He was an active member of The MH Rotary Club for 56 years and was a founder and board member of the South Valley National Bank. He was the first president of the first Parish Council at St. Catherine’s and was involved in building the existing church and school. He was also a charter member of The Knights of Columbus, the Italian Catholic Federation, and an active member of the Full Blooded Italian (FBI) organization.
In addition to his civic participation, he was a successful businessman in Morgan Hill, owning a variety stores, Lucky Liquors and The El Toro Shop.
He was the son of Alfred Leonetti and Emily Ungaro (both deceased) and the loving husband of Bonnie Leonetti (deceased). He is survived by his sisters Vera Lico and Lorraine(Ray) Caruso, daughters Leslie Leonetti (Jock McCoy), Lisa Leonetti (Allen Gillespie), Laurie Leonetti (Dean Olmstead) and grandchildren: Laurel Leonetti, Andy Leonetti, Elena Guevara, Victor Gillespie (Brianna), Maycen Gillespie and Olin Olmstead.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, June 10, 2011, at 10:00 A.M., at St Catherine Church in Morgan Hill. Private inurnment.
Heartfelt thanks to his dedicated caregivers: Oscar, Cyntia, Ely and Edwin and Hospice of the Valley for their tender care during Al’s final days.
Donations to Hospice of the Valley are appreciated.
