Alberto Silveria Leonardo

Major Alberto Silveira Leonardo, USMC (Ret.) passed away peacefully at his sister’s home in Tracy, CA with his sister and nephew at his side on Sunday, June 12, 2022, at the age of 73.
Alberto was born on March 8, 1949, at the Preza of Cruzal, Santo Antão, Topo, São Jorge, Azores, Portugal to parents Gregorio Silveira Leonardo and Rosalia Azevedo Leonardo, where he attended local school and helped his family with farm chores. 
In 1960, Alberto immigrated to America with his father and older brother, Joseph. They arrived in California on July 4, 1960, where they settled and worked at his aunt’s dairy on McHenry Avenue in Modesto, California. A year later, Alberto’s mother and siblings started immigrating to Modesto too.
Alberto attended elementary school and high school in Modesto while working for his father on the dairy. 
Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree in Social Science from California State University, Stanislaus he entered Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia and was Commissioned a Second Lieutenant in December 1972. 
Alberto was a dedicated Marine, who proudly served his country for over 20 years. 
During his time of service, Alberto climbed the Marine Corps ranks to become a Major. Alberto is a graduate of twelve military schools, he earned over twelve military awards during his time of service, and earned his Master of Arts degree in Human Resources Management from Pepperdine University
Alberto served both domestically and internationally in locations such as Camp Lejeune, Parris Island, Argentina, Okinawa Japan, The Mediterranean and Indian Oceans, The Caribbean, Panama Canal, Brazil, El Salvador, and Colombia.
After Alberto closed his military career from the Marine Corps, he continued his passion for traveling, history and helping people. 
When possible, Alberto loved to visit historical sites in person. Alberto had a long stay in São Jorge Island and helped people with administrative issues in the Azores, and in the United States.
Alberto was dedicated to recording and preserving history. He restored several artifacts for both museums and families. Alberto played a key role in constructing different monuments that marked important historical events.
Alberto is preceded in death by his father Gregorio Silveira Leonardo, his mother Rosalia Azevedo Leonardo, and siblings Angelo Silveira Leonardo, Luciano Silveira Leonardo, Bernardete Leonardo Souza, and Joseph Silveira Leonardo.
He is survived by his sisters Lucilia Leonardo Mendonca, Albertina Leonardo Teixeira, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Franklin & Downs Funeral Home, 1050 McHenry Avenue Modesto, CA 95350 is in care of funeral arrangements. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 30th from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm with a recitation of the Rosary at 5:30 pm. 
Mass will follow on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 10:30 am at St. Stanislaus Church, 709 J Street, Modesto, CA 95354. He will be laid to rest at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery.

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