Leroy William Vyenielo

On January 5th, 2018, LeRoy (Lee) W. Vyenielo, 90, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.  Lee is survived by his loving wife of 66 years- Clarice Elizabeth Vyenielo and their children – Bill (Cathy), Kathy, Paul, Lisa (David), David (Gayle) and Chris (Kimberly), 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Lee, the youngest of three brothers was born in Petaluma, California on July 17, 1927 to Carmelina Louise Pozzi and Martin Marion Vyenielo. He was preceded in death by his brothers Robert Vyenielo and Martin Vyenielo.

A native Petaluman, Lee met his wife-to-be – Clarice Frengle - in 4th grade when he transferred to St. Vincent’s Grammar School.  Lee graduated from St Vincent High in 1945 then joined the Merchant Marines. Upon his return, he enrolled at University of San Francisco awarded a football scholarship, played for a year then left to work full time for Toby’s in Pt Reyes.  A gifted athlete, Lee played for the Petaluma Leghorns football team from 1947 through 1952. In 1952, Lee and Clarice married at St. Vincent’s Church in Petaluma, a year later he was drafted and served in the US Army stationed in Babenhausen, Germany. Upon returning home, Lee worked for Ralph Giacomini Trucking and the Petaluma Cooperative Creamery, then went on to work for the Union Oil Company for the next 29 years until his retirement. Blessed with 6 children and numerous grandchildren, Lee and Clarice were actively engaged in their school activities, sporting events and many outdoor adventures. Together they created countless memories of time spent with family and friends. This included many hunting and backpacking trips into the rugged Trinity Alps, trout fishing along high mountain streams in the Sierra’s, diving for abalone on the coast and playing with his children and grandchildren on the beaches of Lake Tahoe.  Lee was a devout Catholic, an avid outdoorsman, loving husband, dedicated father and grandpa, and a dear, lifelong friend to many. Lee lived a wonderful life and set the bar high on how to live one’s life to the fullest.

Friends and family are invited to attend Visitation from 11:00am – 5:00 pm, including a Rosary at 4:00pm on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary, 850 Keokuk Street, Petaluma, CA, with a Funeral Mass on Monday, January 15, 2018, 11:00am at St. James Catholic Church, 125 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran Street, Petaluma, CA 94954 and St. James Parish, 125 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma, CA 94954 and the Alzheimer’s Association, 1450 Neotomas Ave., Suite 140, Santa Rosa, CA 95405.

Private burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery Visitation

Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory

Sunday, January 14, 2018 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM 850 Keokuk Street Petaluma, California 94952 Directions Vigil Service

Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory

Sunday, January 14, 2018 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 850 Keokuk Street Petaluma, California 94952 Directions Funeral Mass

St. James Catholic Church

Monday, January 15, 2018 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 125 Sonoma Mountain Parkway Petaluma, CA 94954 Directions