LeRoy was born to Italian immigrant Giuseppe (Joe) and Olga (Pedroncelli) Rampoldi of Modesto. His father immigrated to America in the early 1900’s and settled in the Escalon area. LeRoy was raised in a farming family and learned to work hard at a very young age. He attended Burwood School on River Road, where he would ride his horse to school. He later attended and graduated from Escalon High School. He was very popular and served as Class President. He was also an exceptional athlete in football, track, baseball and basketball. LeRoy was a true four sport athlete. Following high school he attended College of the Pacific (UOP) and worked on the farm where he later made his living. In 1953 LeRoy enlisted in the Army and served during the Korean War. Like many other young men, he would never talk about the war. He returned home and continued his life on the farm. It was only recently that he began to share some of his experiences of that time in his life. He also enlisted in the Navy Reserve. During the 1960’s Leroy was a co-owner of Ray’s Sporting Goods on Main Street in Escalon. He also was a coach for his sons’ Little League baseball teams. In 1977 LeRoy retired from farming and started a new chapter in his life working for the South San Joaquin Irrigation District. He was employed there until his retirement in 2007. In 1955, LeRoy married the love of his life Carol (Rafter) of Modesto. They have resided in Escalon for all their married life. They had three sons, Michael, Steven and Jeffrey. LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents and his son Steve. Survivors include his wife Carol, of Escalon, sons Mike (Elly) of Ripon, and Jeff (Donna) of Escalon, grandson Joseph (Laura, and Joseph’s mother Joan Faria) of Escalon, step-granddaughters Lacee King (Mike) of Ripon, and Shelby Lucchesi (Garrett) of Toluca Lake, CA. LeRoy was a humble and quiet man with a witty sense of humor. He loved his animals, and enjoyed gardening and canning. He could literally make a rock grow. He was always there to help with a project, if asked, offer a suggestion, and give you a plant that he had started from a seedling, or fresh fruit and vegetables from his garden. He enjoyed family dinners and gatherings. The family would like to thank all the people who were his loyal friends, those who work in local businesses and several former coworkers from his time at the irrigation district. Father, you are loved and will be missed more than you know. A Memorial Service will be held on September 2, 2016 at 3 p.m. at Deegan Funeral Chapel in Escalon. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers the family asks for any donations to be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Oakland or the Escalon Community Ambulance.
More information is available at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com or www.parkviewmortuary.com.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Aug. 31, 2016