Born in Escalon, California to parents, Carlos Pereira and Evangeline (Vieira) Pereira decedents of farming and whaling families in the Central Valley, Monterey Peninsula and Azores Islands of Portugal. Leonard passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on November 15, 2015.
Leonard lived his entire life in his small home town of Escalon. He loved his family and friends, rarely missing an opportunity to tell anyone who’d listen about the interesting and productive lives of his children and grandchildren.
He grew up on his family’s farm in Escalon and served in the U.S. Navy in San Diego following high school. After his military service, he joined family members in their land leveling company and subsequently became a skilled operating engineer traveling and working as part of a team of experts building California’s major highway, dam and water projects for the majority of his professional career. During his free time, he enjoyed annual deer hunting and road trips throughout the western states with treasured friends and family members. Following his retirement, Leonard spent most of the day reading or working in his garden. He was active in various community activities during his younger years and through the end of his life valued his service to the American Legion Escalon Post 263 serving as Sergeant at Arms and as Grand Marshall of the annual Veteran’s Parade in Escalon. During his final years, when physically unable to participate he would proudly watch the parade from the side lines and stand and salute near the color guard as the American flag was raised. To the final days of his life, Leonard rarely missed a day visiting with old and new friends at his favorite local donut shop a block from his home.
Leonard is survived by his children, Linda Diane Pereira (Patty Amador) of Escalon, Nancy Porteous-Thomas of Carmel, CA, William Francis Pereira (Melinda) of Bellevue, ID and his former wife Jessie Dunn West of Modesto, CA. Grandchildren, Daniel William Bandy (Melissa) of Augusta, GA, John Oliver Porteous of Roseville, CA, William Robert Pereira (Lindsay) of Lafayette, CO, Ashley Elizabeth Webster (Daniel) of Santa Barbara, CA and great grandchildren include Zane Gunnar Bandy and Baby Bandy of Augusta, GA and Palmer Kylie Pereira of Lafayette, CO. Nephews and nieces, Richard Lewis of Seaside, OR, Norma Lewis of Monterey, CA, Tom Lewis of Coulterville, CA and David Pereira of Escalon. He is also survived by his beloved ‘brother’ Paul Dismukes (Ceciela), children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of Escalon, his ‘son’ Dennis (Denny) McCosker and family and his dear young friend, Case Den Ouden, Chaplain, America Legion Post 263.
In addition to family, Leonard is also survived by countless friends and neighbors in town at Paddock Manor. Their friendship and support was valued greatly by Leonard and continues to be valued by his family.
Leonard is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, his brother John Pereira (Laura), sisters, Vivian Lewis (John), Joy Pereira, great nephew, John Pereira, his ‘brother’ Bud Pummell, and his beloved companions “Tinkerbelle I, II, III”.
A Graveside Service was held November 18, 2015, 10am at Burwood Cemetery, on River Road in Escalon.
In remembrance of Leonard, donations may be made to American Legion Escalon Post 263, PO Box 596, Escalon, CA 95320 or Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356
