Leo E. Dreyer
Sept. 10, 1934-Jan. 11, 2023
Atherton, California
Submitted by Michelle Takemoto

Our father Leo E. Dreyer left this world on January 11, 2023 at the age of 88.

A California man through and through, Leo was born in Oakland on September 10, 1934.

At 18 he joined the US Navy where he served and played football during his Navy years. Leo continued his education at San Jose State University, where he also played football, and earned his degree in business.

Soon after college, he met the love of his life, Marie. They spent 55 years together, living in Atherton, California. Their children, Ann Goodenough (Ed Derderian), Molly Marie Horn (Paul Farley), Michelle Takemoto (Lee), Kevin Dreyer (Allison), and Lisa Dreyer Campiglia, survive him. Leo is also survived by his sister Barbara Dreyer, 11 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Grace Dreyer, his wife Marie Dreyer, brother Donald Dreyer and his son-in-law John Campiglia.

Leo was a great salesman and an accomplished businessman, working for The Easterling China Company for several years. He and Marie ultimately started their own company, Heritage House Fine China and Tableware in the early 1960s. Heritage House is still in business today.

Leo was an outgoing, dependable, and loyal friend to many. He kept friendships alive for decades. He cherished going on adventures with his family and friends and enjoyed participating in his son’s Boy Scouting events, which included many camping and hiking adventures.

He had a passion for boating. Leo and Marie joined the Sea Ray Cabin Cruisers Club when they got their first boat, aptly named the MariLeon. Leo went on to become the Commodore of the Sea Ray Boat Club in the 1980s. He took his family on many one-of-a-kind extended boating adventures, including trips to Baja California Mexico, British Columbia, Alaska, the Monterey, and San Francisco Bay, and often spent time cruising the Sacramento Delta. Leo and Marie enjoyed traveling together and vacationed in Mexico, Jamaica, the East Coast, the Middle East, and throughout Europe.

A good time was always had at the Dreyer family beach house in the Venetian Court, Capitola. Leo vacationed here as a child and then raised his children vacationing at this special spot too. The bright blue home represents a legacy that will pass down through the generations.

Dad loved football throughout his life. He had season tickets to the 49ers for many years and after that, became an avid armchair fan. He saw his last 49er game on Sunday, January 8, (they won!) with a good friend by his side.

Leo also participated in the Valor Games West for several years. The goal of the Valor Games is to introduce adapted sports to attendees in order to promote ongoing adapted sport participation in their community.

Dad was an optimist. His crystal glass was always half full. He was a good father, a tough father, and a loving father. He taught us perseverance, loyalty, the value of hard work, and responsibility. He never gave in – he never gave up. He did things his way.

He will be sadly missed and will always hold a place in our hearts. He passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, as were his last wishes.

Please come and honor his life with us

Tags: veteran, business