Leon Mendelson was born June 11,1923 in San Francisco,California, and passed away peacefully on November 4, 2016 in Saratoga,California at the age of 93.
Leon was the 3rd son of Ira and Tillie Mendelson. He attended public schools in San Francisco and graduated from Polytechnic High School where he was a good student and an outstanding track and field athlete. During senior year of high school, Leon finished second in the 880 yard run, missing by mere inches, second only to the winner who set the city record which stood for over 35 years.
When Leon was 11 years old, he witnessed the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. He would fondly recall the day the bridge opened to the public, stating "it was a magnificent day". He said that the entire city of San Francisco took a holiday and walked across the bridge and back.
Leon was drafted into the army in 1942 and served honorably in England and France as an airplane mechanic. After the war, Leon received a B.A. degree from University of California at Berkeley. Leon continued on to obtain a Master's Degree in Special Education and taught children with disabilities in several East Bay communities.
Leon became interested in finance and began his career in the world of banking. Leon spent the majority of his working years at Wells Fargo Bank in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
In his spare time, Leon enjoyed bowling, growing orchids and tending to his vegetable garden. He also enjoyed meeting with friends at a Saratoga investors club.
Leon is survived by his wife Nilda Fenyo Mendelson, and step-daughters Ann Bailey of Eugene, OR and Margaret Pinelli of Saratoga, CA. He was a loving grandfather and is survived by grandchildren Michelle Firth, Michael Tinoco, William Tinoco, Maisie Bailey, Benjamin Bailey, and Matthew Pinelli. Leon is also survived by his brother Ralph Mendelson and his wife Melinda.
Leon was always upbeat and positive, even when his health was in decline. He was a gentle, kind and caring person, and he will be missed by many friends and relatives.
There will be a funeral mass on Saturday November 12, 2016 at 2pm at Church of Ascension, 12033 Miller Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070. A viewing prior to the funeral will be held from 9am-1pm at Alameda Saratoga-Cupertino Funeral Home in Saratoga, CA.
Remembrances may be sent to Church of Ascension, in memory of Leon Mendelson.