ANDREW LEONARDINI

Andrew W. Leonardini, Jr. 87, of Lodi, CA passed away peacefully on Feb. 11, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Fern Leonardini.

Andy grew up and spent most of his life in Lodi. He graduated from San Francisco State University in 1956, then served in the U.S. Navy, stationed in San Diego. After the Navy, he was a senior buyer for H.J. Heinz Co. in Tracy, CA for 13 years, later moved to Washington State and worked as a fruit buyer in the Yakima Valley. He then joined his father in business and ran Elkhorn Fruit Co. in Lodi with Fern until their retirement.

Andy and Fern spent winters in Palm Desert, CA. He loved to golf, play cards and dominoes and was a member of Desert Falls Country Club and Woodbridge Golf & Country Club. He was also a member of Lodi Lodge I.O.O.F. His two favorite sports teams were Notre Dame football and the L.A. Dodgers. He was very excited to see the Dodgers win the World Series in 2020. Andy and Fern loved to travel, go to the coast, take cruises, and enjoyed good times with their friends and family, both at home and in the desert. Even while his health was declining, he loved to talk about all the trips they took and he would always end it by saying he had a good life.

In addition to Fern, his family included his sons, Ken Leonardini and Kevin Leonardini (Theresa); daughters, Cheryl Chambers (Al), Lisa Pollard (Andy), Valerie Pollard (dec.; Paul), Leslie Ford (dec.; Bud, dec.); sisters, Marlene Laufer, Cheryl Margie (Dana); grandchildren, Jamie Pollard (dec.; Julie), Katie Jones (Zachary), Elisabeth Ford (Henry), Nicholas Ford (dec.), Brenna Gatley; great grandchildren, Devon Pollard (Alonso), Darian Pollard, Maverick Jones, Nolan Jones, Rizzoli Gatley; great-great grandson, Emiliano Queria and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private funeral for immediate family members will be held at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery, where Andy will be laid to rest on February 23rd, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, you may choose to donate to the local animal shelter of your choice.

Please sign the guest book at lodinews.com/ guestbook.