Leroy Martinelli

Elmer Martinelli also known to many as just, “Leroy” arrived to Elmer and Hazel Martinelli on November 10, 1928. He was born at Petaluma General Hospital, in Petaluma, California. Leroy was the oldest of his siblings. He is proceeded in death by his brother Stanley, and his sister Patsy. Leroy is also proceeded in death by both of his parents Elmer and Hazel.

Leroy grew up at Martinelli Ranch at Pt. Reyes Station. When Leroy didn’t get his way at home, he would run down the hill to his grandparents’ home. Leroy always was his grandmothers second love and pure joy, she used to call him “Sonny”.

Leroy attended Tomales High School where is excelled as an athlete, and he graduated from there in 1947.

Leroy continued to work on his father’s ranch until 1951 when he was drafted to serve in the Korea Conflict War. At first Leroy started off as a cook in the kitchen, he even earned himself the nickname, “Belly Robber” because he was  with the stingy with the amount if food he would give fellow soldiers. When a welder was needed Leroy volunteered because he had so much experience already from working on the ranch. Shortly after he was promoted to Military Police. When his term was up serving in the Army, Leroy returned to Marin County, and back to the Ranch.

He filled some of his free time in by playing baseball at The Nicasio Square, and in 1956 he met Betty Rogers. July 20, 1957, they were married at St. Vincent’s Church in Petaluma. One year later they were blessed with their first daughter Vicki, and then proceeded to have Gail and Margie. In 1981 Leroy he remarried Allison Rollins and had a final daughter June.

Through the years each of the girls had their own journeys with their father Leroy.

Leroy was also a grandfather, and great grandfather during his time here on earth.

Leroy was always on the go and had high vibrational energy.  He enjoyed being out at his Ranch more than anything even in the final month of his life. Up until his 95th birthday Leroy could be seen driving his bulldozer around on the ranch. In his younger years he was always on his tractors driving them, moving dirt. In the early 80’s when The West Marin Landfill was created Leroy enjoyed fixing and building things from the dumps AKA: the Emporium. His favorite phrase to say was, “Your Shit is my bread and butter”. The Hunting Club was his biggest joy hanging with the guys, duck &deer hunting, and riding up high in the mountains. Trips to Guanaella’s and William’s, and Trips to Davis Creek were his big outings. He got a lot of laughs from loading the back of his truck with oysters, and putting them on ice for his friends to enjoy.

Vicki is very thankful for the time she had with her father. It wasn’t the quantity, but the quality.  The stories he shared, the laughter, dinners, 95th Birthday Celebration, the experience Leroy had in his first Limousine Ride was priceless. The overnight stays, and even as hard as things got in his final moments, she would not trade that for anything. Each night as she tucked him into bed she would say, “like a bug in a rug” just as he did to her as a little girl.

At this time, she would like me to personally thank Aracely Rivera (The Judge- as Leroy called her), and her husband Angel. Joe the caregiver. Artis Britton, Brenda Martin, Mary Reuse, Bert Smith, Gary Pedroli, Hospice of The Bay Area, Dr. Aye, Dr. Char and Dr. Sperling.

Visitation will be held, Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 1pm to 5pm with a Funeral Service at 3pm at Parent Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory, Petaluma, California

Leroy Martinelli earned his angel wings on January 16, 2024. “Heaven Has its Hands full now, Let the Party Begin.”