Leroy Charles Maciel April 10, 1943 - September 5, 2026

LEROY CHARLES MACIEL

APRIL 10, 1943 – SEPTEMBER 5, 2026

A man of few words, but a man who made a lasting impact, Leroy Charles Maciel leaves behind a beautiful legacy in the lives of the family he loved so deeply.

Leroy passed away on September 5, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born on April 10, 1943, to Charles and Alice Maciel and grew up in Oakdale, California. Much of his childhood was spent on the family dairy, where there was always work to be done and plenty of adventures along the way. Those years shaped Leroy’s strong work ethic and gave him a lifetime of stories and memories with friends and family that he carried with him throughout his life. He graduated from Oakdale High School in 1961.

In 1964, Leroy joined the United States Navy, where he served as a Machinist’s Mate aboard the USS America and USS Forrestal and served on an Underwater Demolition Team. His years in the Navy took him to many countries and gave him experiences and stories that he enjoyed sharing throughout his life. After completing his service in 1968, Leroy attended barber school, but ultimately found his career in construction in 1969. A gifted carpenter, Leroy took great pride in his work, and his talent and craftsmanship showed in everything he did.

That same year, Leroy met the love of his life, Patricia. They met in March of 1969 and were married the following March in 1970. Through 56 years of marriage, Leroy’s love for Pat never wavered. In the cards he wrote to her over the years, he would always remind her that she was the love of his life, something he showed not only in his words, but in the way he loved and cared for her throughout their life together.

Together, Leroy and Pat raised four children: Bob (Kristin) Maciel, Jeff (Sheri) Maciel, Chris (Monica) Maciel, and Kourtney (Doug) Avila. With four children to raise, there was rarely a dull moment in the Maciel household. Those years brought plenty of stories, laughter, challenges, and memories that became part of the fabric of their family. Leroy worked hard for many years to provide for and care for them, and his children thought the world of him. His family continued to grow to include 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him great pride and joy. He loved his family deeply, and the life he built with them was one of his greatest accomplishments.

Throughout his life, Leroy had a love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, a passion that began as a teenager riding with his uncles. There was something special to him about being on his Harley, especially riding along the coastal highways. The open roads, ocean views, and miles spent on his motorcycle brought him great joy through the years.

Those who knew Leroy will remember his incredibly kind eyes, his quiet strength, and the steady way he cared for the people around him. He was always willing to help, whether it was a simple household fix or a complete renovation. If something needed to be built, repaired, or figured out, Leroy was someone you could count on to jump in and lend a hand. His talent as a carpenter was a gift, but the way he used that gift to help others said even more about the kind of man he was.

Leroy lived a life marked by hard work, loyalty, generosity, and a deep love for his family. His life spoke through the things he built, the people he helped, the family he provided for, and the love he gave. His impact will continue to be felt in the generations that follow him and in the countless memories his family will carry.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Alice Maciel; his sister, Diane Decena; and his granddaughter, Amanda Maciel.

A service honoring Leroy and the life he lived will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Christian Center, 2918 W. Tuolumne Road, Turlock, California.