Leroy Donald Taddei was a man who took great pride in all he accomplished in his lifetime helping others. He had great love for his family and friends and was loved by everyone who knew him. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a very gentle and well spoken man. Leroy always had a kind word to say about everyone. And his love of Hershey's chocolate was legendary as well as being a 49er faithful. Leroy was born on August 11th 1933 in Oakland, California. He was the first generation of his family born in America. His parents Forresto and Ernesta Taddei immigrated to America in the early 1900s from Areno Matato a small suburb of Pisa in the beautiful Tuscan region of Italy. He graduated from Castlemont high school in 1951. Shortly after, he started working for Del Monte Foods in the labeling Department as a book binder. He worked for Del Monte for over 40 years retiring in 1995. Leroy met Stella Garcia in 1957 when Stella picked up a shift in the local bowling alley for her sister. Leroy was an avid bowler for many years. They were married in 1959. They purchased a home in Castro Valley in 1962 where the family would live for the rest of his life. They raised three children there. Spending time with his family has always been very important to Leroy. On many weekends he took his family to visit other family in Manteca or San Francisco. On a few other occasions he took the family to New Mexico to visit Stella's family. His kids can tell you about the adventures driving across the desert with a water bag strapped to the front of the car and no air conditioning. Leroy will be missed by his wife Stella, his three children Julie, David, (his wife Marlies), Greg and his six grandchildren, Nicole (husband Tim Arkhipov), Jeannette (husband Meelad Menbari), Nic, Caitlin, and Stella. And also his great-granddaughter Mia. Leroy was always very active in his community. He served on the PTA and coached Little League baseball eventually becoming president of the little league. When the league faced a shortage of umpires, he volunteered to umpire which he continued to do for many years even after his own boys outgrew the league. He helped his kids through 4H, raising sheep, chicken and rabbits. Leroy has always been proud of his Italian Heritage and his Catholic faith. Leroy and Stella were two of the founding charter members of Branch 343 in Castro Valley. Leroy served as Branch President, East Bay District president, and Branch Deputy. Leroy was elected to the Central Council in 1994 at the Las Vegas Convention where he campaigned with the slogan “vote Taddei (today) tomorrow”. Leroy chaired the Scholarship Committee and served on the Public Relations Committee. Leroy became a life member in 2008 and an ICF member Emeritus in 2009. After his retirement Leroy and Stella traveled in the United States and Europe visiting Hawaii and Italy quite a few times. Leroy was always ready to help. He greeted you with a smile and a warm handshake. And usually had a funny story to share with you. He enjoyed talking to others and sharing his knowledge.
