Leonard Malanche, 61, passed away on October 10, 2024, at Highland hospital
surrounded by loved ones and family. Leonard was born in Berkeley, CA, on July 22, 1963, and
was the sixth of seven children in the Malanche family. He grew up in Berkeley with his parents
and siblings. In 1980 at the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was stationed at Fort
Ord in Monterey, CA.

Once he left the Army in the late 80s, Leonard met his first wife Cheryl while attending a
local bingo hall with his mother, and the two quickly fell in love. They married in 1989, and in
1990 they welcomed their son Andre Malanche. Cheryl Malanche passed away in 1992, leaving
Leonard to raise Andre as a single parent.

As a dedicated father, Leonard returned to school to pursue his passion for cars and
mechanics. He worked part-time while studying, with his mother helping care for Andre. In
1997, Leonard began working as a parts technician at McKevitt of Berkeley, where he remained
until 2011. It was there that he met Rachel Freeburg, his current partner. In 2000, they welcomed
their daughter Kerrith Malanche into the world.

In 2012, Leonard began working at The Independent Institute as the warehouse manager,
where he worked until 2021. That same year, Leonard and Andre moved to live with Rachel in
El Cerrito, as well as their beloved dog, Jacob, until his passing in 2024.
Leonard was a kind and caring man, known for his generosity and willingness to help
others. He was always ready to lend a listening ear and offer advice when needed. His charm and
thoughtfulness made everyone he met feel seen and heard. He touched the lives of many, and his
absence will be felt deeply by all who knew him.

Leonard is survived by his sisters Flaget Magallon and Marga Malanche, brother Jesse
Malanche, partner Rachel Freeburg, and his two children Andre Malanche and Kerrith Malanche.
We miss him greatly here on Earth but take comfort in knowing that he is watching over us from
heaven and smiling down on those he loved.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on January 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Sunset View
Cemetery Association/Mortuary in El Cerrito, with a small reception with refreshments to
follow. The address is 101 Colusa Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530. All are welcome to attend and
help us in honoring Leonard’s life.

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