John Julian Leavitt
December 24, 1934 - October 31, 2017 Resident of Alameda
John is at rest after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Beloved husband of Nancy Leavitt; Father of John Leavitt (Danielle), Curtis Leavitt, and Kirsten Trapani (Christopher); Big Brother of Tom, Russell, and Rodney; Grandfather of Brittany, Courtney, Gabriella, Anthony, John, Rocco, and Scott. Born in Ogden, Utah to John Minion Leavitt and Doris Higham Leavitt then moved to Piedmont, California at age of 12. Graduated from Piedmont High School and UC Berkeley where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity; he met and married Nancy Lipka, his devoted wife of 58 years. John served in the U.S.Army, Adjutant Generals Corps.
John was a wonderful man, dedicated to his family, loyal to his numerous friends, and committed to his community. He touched and improved the lives of many. He served as President of the Board of East Bay Regional Park District and Alameda Hospital. He was a long-time member of Rotary Club of Alameda.
After graduating from Cal, he founded Leavitt Pacific Co., which served the food processing industry. He was also a partner in a Hallmark Store, Card n’ Quill, for 30 years.
John will always be remembered for his great sense of humor. He achieved a life long desire to gain his pilot’s license and loved flying his Cessna 182. He was a member of Quiet Birdmen. He loved sailing, skiing, backpacking, biking and collecting and driving his muscle cars… which is how he earned the nickname “Lead Foot Leavitt”.
A celebration of his life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church: 1323 Central Ave. Alameda, on November 30, 2017 at 2:00 PM. The family would like to thank his many friends and care partners for their love and support during this 14 year journey with Alzheimer’s.
Donations can be made in John’s memory to: Alameda Welfare Council PO Box 2265, Alameda, CA 94501. Rotary Club of Alameda POBox 2403, Alameda, CA 94501. For further information please call: Harry W. Greer, Funeral Director (FDR-745). Alameda Funeral and Cremation Services. 510-522-6020