Leonard Louis Silvani

Born in Alameda, CA March 25, 1923, Leonard L. Silvani grew up in Berkeley, CA where he graduated from University High School and Armstrong Business College. His career in the family business established by his father, Antonio Silvani, a native of the province of Liguria, Italy was interrupted when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy (as his father had done in World War I) to fight in World War II in the Pacific Theater. While serving on the USS Reno, he and his shipmates participated in numerous battles, including the attacks on Saipan and Iwo Jima, the American invasion of the Marianas, the battles of the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf. The Reno suffered severe damage after taking two torpedo hits the night of November 3, 1944, but the crew saved the ship while sustaining limited loss of life. Leonard was honorably discharged the following year and returned home on the last available seat in the plastic nosecone of his stateside-bound plane. He subsequently rejoined his father, Antonio and sister, Barbara Silvani, as a partner in the family business, California Glass Company. Leonard took quiet satisfaction in that all three of his children as well as his son-in-law Doug entered the family business, and he watched with pride as it became one of the largest glass distributorships in the nation. Leonard is survived by his beloved familywife, Aldyne; his children, Cindy Silvani-Lacey (Doug), Leonard Marc Silvani (Sargina) and Rick Silvani (Katrina); his grandchildren Danielle Gallagher (Sean) and Sacha Silvani; and his great-grandchildren Grace and Lauren Gallagher. Leonard was preceded in death by his father, Antonio Silvani, mother, Louise, and sister, Barbara. Private graveside services will be at the Alamo Cemetery. Memorial service and reception 4 pm Thursday, July 30 for friends and family at 1623 Silver Dell Rd, Lafayette. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Hospice of the East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Ave, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 or to the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church Deacons Fund, 49 Knox Dr, Lafayette, CA 94549. Memorial Service Thursday, July 30, 2015 04:00 pm Silvani Memorial service 1623 Silver Dell Rd Lafayette CA 94549