Leo Titone

Leo Titone passed away on November 14, 2020 at the age of 94 in Buhl, Idaho

Leo was born on January 8, 1926 to Italian immigrants Vito and Carmela (Leo) Titone in Berkeley, California. At the age of 17 he entered active duty with the Merchant Marines (Coast Guard) and was honorably discharged on August 2, 1946. He met and married Regina Dunning in August 1926. Together they raised 3 children and divorced in 1972.

In the 1950’s Leo’s love of water urged him to become a Custom V-Drive boat builder and competed in boat drag racing. He owned and operated “Titone Custom Boats” in El Cerrito, California.

Leo was an artist with his hands and his passion became a body and fender man. He opened “A & T” body Shop in Albany, California. His nickname was “Bod Man”.

In 1965 he built the body of a car for the Indy 500. One of his projects was featured in the Porsche magazine “Excellence” in May, 2005. He also was commissioned to fabricate the shields that are displayed on the Student Union Building at UC Berkeley.

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, sisters Lena and Josephine and brother, Sam. Leo is survived by his girlfriend, Carol Wilmer, his son John (Vicki), son Joe (Ann) and daughter Camille (Robert). 8 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.