Leo Edward Furtwangler, Capt., SC, USN, Ret. Was born in Greensburg, PA, on April 14, 1919, to Leo and Eunice Furtwangler. He passed away on December 10, 2009, surrounded by family. After graduating from the University of Alabama, as America was entering WWII, Leo enlisted in the US Navy, earning an officer's commission. He went on to serve the duration of the war in the South Pacific campaigns, including Guadalcanal, Peleliu, San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf and the Okinawa Assault, at times under constant attack. These events were followed by the Japan Occupation and Operation Crossroads Atomic Bomb Test in Bikini Atoll. WWII was followed with duty in Korea, serving on the heavy cruiser USS Toledo (CA-133) and aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45) in support of Army and Marine land forces. After returning home, Leo had tours of duty on both coasts of the U.S., followed by a tour in France, stationed outside of Paris. It was here the he developed a great affinity for the wine, culture and people of France. Upon returning to the U.S., Leo was stationed at the Pentagon in Wash., D.C. It was during this time that he received his MBA from George Washington University. From there, Leo was assigned to Moffett Naval Air Station, where he remained until his retirement from the Navy in 1964. Following his discharge from the Navy, Leo worked at Sonoma State University as business manager from 1964 to 1969. It was there that he met his future wife, Grace, whom he married in 1969. He next accepted a position as manager of Computax, a division of Commerce Clearing House, and held that position at the Burlingame location until his retirement in 1984. Leo and Grace lived in Los Altos Hills for the last 37 years of Leo's life, and were members of the Los Altos United Methodist Church. Leo also enjoyed several years as an active member of the local SIRS group, through which he met several golfing buddies. One of Leo's pleasures was watching his beloved San Francisco Giants baseball team, having been a fan from the time he was 4 yrs. old. Leo is survived by his wife of 40 years, Grace, his sons William and James (Sherri), his niece Jane Furtwangler of Arizona, his nephew Tom (Paula) Furtwangler of Texas, his step-daughters Gayle (Ron) Colby, Carol (John) Waverek and Judy (Ken) Colbo, 7 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Leo will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A Memorial service will be held at 12:30 on Friday, Dec. 18, at Los Altos United Methodist Church, at the corner of Magdalena and Foothill in Los Altos. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society or Pathways Home Health and Hospice.
Published in San Jose Mercury News on December 15, 2009.