Ronald John Leonti passed away at DOCTORS Medical Center in Modesto, California. Ron, as he was
known by family and friends, was born in Corona, California to Ralph Rodriguez and Rose Leonti. As a
child he later moved with his mother and his sister Pauline to Morgan Hill, and finally settled in Gilroy
where he was also raised by his step-father, Gennaro Bozzo.
Ron had a passion for a number of sports: football, basketball, baseball and golf. He especially had a love
for football, where he played quarterback: first at Gilroy High, then Hartnell College and finally for Fresno
State, where he studied Physical Education.
After college Ron decided to serve his country and though he was interested in joining the US Navy, he
was drafted by the US Army instead. After basic training and advanced infantry training at Fort Ord and
then Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA he was deployed to Korea for a time as part of the
military occupational forces sent to help maintain an uneasy peace.
After returning home to California Ron started his career as a high-school teacher and coached football,
wrestling and track and field. A few years later he married Lynda Mae Webb, where they raised their
children: Michele, Gennaro and Buffy (Anna) at their home in Alum Rock, San Jose.
Many years later the marriage ended, but Ron moved to Hawai'i to be closer to his children for a number
of years, where he taught and coached football at St. Louis High School on O'ahu. Eventually he returned
home to Gilroy to care for his mother and sister, Pauline.
He finished out his teaching and coaching career at Monte Vista Christian School in Watsonville, and
loved every moment of his time working there until he retired in 2002.
Soon after, Ron and his wife Rose enjoyed their retirement by traveling around the US in their RV, and
volunteering their time with RVICS (Roving Volunteers In Christ's Service).
Ron is survived by his wife Rose Leonti, his son Gennaro Kukonu and wife Karen Ying, daughter Anna
Oberst and husband Vince Oberst and step-daughters, Olivia Noel Howard and Kathleen Grossman, and
step-granddaughters, Grace, Sara and Mallory. Ron is also survived by son-in-law Ron Holtz and
grandchildren RJ Holtz and Ashley Rule.
Ron's sister Pauline Guinta of Gilroy, CA preceded him in death. Daughter Michele and step-son Michael
also preceded him in death.

Family would appreciate donations to the Gideons. https://gideons.org/donate in Ron's memory.