Leo left home at a very young age and ventured to Fresno looking for employment. He recently told the story to his daughter Sandra that he was so young when he applied for his first job, he had to lie about his age to obtain employment. He then went to work for Payless Market in Fresno’s China Town. There, a co-worker gave him the nickname “Charlie”. He then worked in management positions for Purity Market in Madera and Save Mart Markets in Fresno. His nickname followed him to each subsequent job until his retirement in 1994.
After retirement he enjoyed traveling in his Class C RV to the coast, Bass Lake and across the country visiting numerous states. He traveled to Hawaii, Japan, China, Europe, and Mexico City where he witnessed the canonization of St. Juan Diego by Pope John Paul II in 2002. He also went on many cruises to destinations including Alaska, Mexico, and the east coast.
Leo was happiest doing what he loved most--dancing. He loved to dance from an early age and never missed an opportunity to attend a dance. Later in life, he enrolled in Fresno Adult School’s Ballroom Dance classes where he enjoyed learning new dance figures and perfecting his cha cha cha, samba, rhumba, swing, waltz and even tango moves. It was there that he met his dance partner and life partner Vivian Peterson. He was a proud member of the Central California Big Band Dance Society. Leo made many friendships through attending dance classes and being a member of Big Band. He and Vivian also enjoyed attending events at the Clovis Senior Center and anywhere there was live music and a dance floor.
He was predeceased by his eldest daughter Rebecca Milward. He is survived by his children Stella Segura and her husband Joe, Stephen Garcia and his wife Debbie and Sandra Marr and her husband Dexter.
He was a loving grandfather to Julie Wilson, Lisa Milward, Paul Milward, Michael Segura, Matthew Segura, Alexandra Krueger, Elizabeth Marr and Trevor Marr.
He was a proud great-grandfather to Mariana Anciso, Michael Anciso, Angel Anciso, Hezekiah Wilson, Jesus Peña, David Milward, Hannah Santiago, Jacob Milward, Luke Krueger, Benjamin Krueger and Thomas Krueger.
He was predeceased by his parents Jesús and Alexandra Garcia, his brothers Johnny and Ray Garcia, sisters Connie Salazar and Lupe Yruegas. He is survived by his siblings Alexandria Renteria, Vera Garcia, Mary Salazar and Jessie Garcia.
