John E. Leal

John served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was a retired postal worker.

John was a talented musician and continued to perform with his popular "Jack Leal Combo" well into his 80's. and The combo actually started as an orchestra. When in his twenties Jack began working with an orchestra and that later developed into the Jack Leals Combo. An accomplished musician he learned to play the keyboard in his later years. Not only was Jack a skilled musician who played several different instruments and was also an accomplished song writer. Together with his sons Jerry and Charles they programed the keyboard with music he had written.

John was devoted to his Catholic faith, putting it into practice with his words and actions.

We will miss him very much. Our lives have been enriched by his prescence and influence. As his children we feel very fortunate to have him in our lives for so many years.

He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Leal, Sr., his mother Rose Arce Leal and his sister, Evelyn Leal Morini.

John is survived by his wife Elsie, to whom he was married for 69 years, his children Jackie Appleby, Charles Leal and Jerry Leal, and his children in law, Gene Appleby and Sharon Leal. Jack is also survived by two grandchildren, Gina Appleby and John Appleby, seven great grandchildren: Alex Flood, Aaron Flood, Iris Abbott, Lily Abbott, Kiley Appleby, Jonah Appleby and Cristian De Leon, as well as his brother Joseph Leal Jr.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Thursday, March 17, 2011 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helen Catholic Church on Friday, March 18, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Remembrances in Jack's honor may be sent to St. Helen's Church at 4870 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93727.