Born June 28, 1936, in Long Beach, California, Leonard P. Dart passed away peacefully at his home in Greenfield on January 19, 2025, at the age of 88. He was raised on a ranch in Campo, CA, east of San Diego, alongside his four older brothers-Pete, Alfred, William, and Wallace. Growing up with limited resources, Leonard and his brothers learned to make do with what they had. Necessity being the mother of invention, they became adept at keeping ranch equipment and their old Model T’s running with “creative” repairs.
Leonard graduated from Mountain Empire High School in 1954 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army for five years as a medical technician, stationed in Orleans, France. It was during this time that Leonard met the love of his life, Arlette, through a chance volunteer assignment. While driving the base chaplain to visit his brother, who owned a restaurant in Colmar, Leonard met Arlette, who was a waitress there. The two were married for 63 years, until Arlette’s passing in 2021.
After Leonard’s discharge from the Army in 1959, the couple returned to Campo and later settled in the San Diego area, where they welcomed their first child, Marie, in 1960. In 1961, they moved to Santa Margarita, CA, where Leonard worked as a medical technician at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo. Their second daughter, Denise, was born soon after, and their third child, Marc, joined the family in 1962. During this time, Leonard used the G.I. Bill to study electronics, a skill he would later use for a variety of hobbies, including repairing television sets and appliances. He became known for his ability to fix anything, and Leonard generously helped others, particularly the elderly, with their broken TV’s and appliances. He spent countless hours assisting his neighbors and earned a reputation as a person who was always ready to lend a hand.
In 1964, the family moved to Greenfield, where Leonard began working at Soledad Prison. Leonard and Arlette quickly became involved in their new community. Leonard was an integral part of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, contributing to the church’s upkeep and participating in numerous maintenance projects. He also played a key role in the construction of the new church building. Leonard served as a lector and he was responsible for bringing the Knights of Columbus organization to Holy Trinity, where he became a Grand Knight.
In 1972, Leonard was elected to the Greenfield City Council and served as the town’s mayor from 1974 to 1982. During his time as mayor, Leonard spearheaded several important projects, including the development of a consolidated city hall and police center, downtown beautification efforts, and the creation of the Santa Lucia shopping center. Leonard was re-elected to serve another term as mayor in 1994, further contributing to the growth and development of Greenfield.
Beyond his political contributions, Leonard was deeply committed to community service. He coached Little League, helped fund new uniforms for the elementary school band in the mid-1970s, and served as chairman of the Broccoli Festival for many years. Leonard and Arlette were also a dynamic volunteer team, organizing countless chicken BBQ fundraisers and working together for the citizens of Greenfield. After Arlette’s passing, Leonard continued her legacy by caring for and neutering the neighborhood’s stray cats, a task he took on with great love and devotion.
Leonard is survived by his brother Pete Dart of Campo; daughters Marie Newell (David) of Carmel Valley, Denise Whitlock (Robby) of Soledad, and son Marc Dart (Kristie) of Paso Robles. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Pamela Bechler, Phillipe Bechler, Cassandra Caldera (Gabe), Clarisse Rolph (Carson), Emma Dart, Audrey Dart, and Kyle Dart, as well as two great-grandchildren, Sienna and Liam Caldera. He was preceded in death by his wife Arlette, his brothers Wallace, William, and Alfred, and his parents, William and Martha Dart.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Leonard’s caregivers, Cecilia Martinez and Maria Marron. Their love, care, and respect for Leonard during the last years of his life were immeasurable and words can’t thank them enough. They were not just caregivers but became trusted friends and family.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Greenfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Neighborhood Pet Project of South Monterey County or the Knights of Columbus at Holy Trinity Church.
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