Leonard Arra Van Valey passed away on Thursday, July 31st in his favorite room of his own home, lovingly cared for by Mary Jo, his wife of 45 years, through his final moments.

"Van", affectionately called "Smokey" by his family, will be remembered as a teacher and football coach who had such an impact on his young charges that 40 years on they still contact his children to say how much they loved his classes. Always looking to educate and inspire, he built reading bunks into his classroom and was heralded in the local paper for the "Human Chess Set" he created with his students on the blacktop at El Roble.

Closer to home, he encouraged and mentored his wife, Mary Jo, into a Real Estate career that would eventually see him joining her as Gilroy grew and ultimately owning a Coldwell Banker franchise together.

A private man, usually quiet but with a big smile and booming laugh, his colleagues and his clients came to know him as hardworking, thorough and honest. He had a kind and gentle nature and a great love for classical music and history.

The last 5 years of his life were blessed with the arrival of 3 grandchildren (one more on the way) who brought him great joy even as his health began to decline. Ever the educator, in his last days he was preparing emails full of life's lessons for them and plotting educational toys to be distributed at Christmas.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jo, his two children, Michele and Troy, their partners, Derek Hennessy and Lydia Chirakova and by his Grandchildren, Senan Hennessy, Cian Hennessy, Trystan Van Valey and Baby Girl Van Valey due in October.

Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 6th, at 11:00 A.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 4th Street, Gilroy.