Leonard Peter Celestine

Renaissance Man


Leonard Peter Celestine passed away peacefully on May 24, 2020, at the age of 92, surrounded by family. For 64 years, he was the devoted husband of Joyce Dugas Celestine (deceased), who was the love of his life. He was a dedicated father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was the oldest son of Leonard Celestine and Angeline Simon. Known by the nickname of "Bobby" to his family and close friends, he grew up in Holy Ghost Parish, a young man with an inquisitive nature and strong work ethic. He learned discipline through his Catholic School education. His strengths were in the sciences, but his education also exposed him to philosophy, music, and art, all of which affected his life deeply.

Leonard graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from Xavier University in 1955. His college years were interrupted twice with serving his country in both Japan and Germany. Discharged honorably with the rank of Corporal in 1952, the Army gave him the opportunity to journey to distant corners of the world, and fed his passion for travel and foreign cultures.

After marrying and starting his family, he moved across the country to Los Angeles, California. As a Pharmacist, he worked in many drug stores and hospitals over the years, but his ultimate goal was to someday open his own business. He and his business partner opened Golden Bear Pharmacy in the North San Fernando Valley in 1974. Along with their wonderful staff, who became extended family to them, they served the community for many years as a well loved neighborhood Pharmacy. Leonard's staff affectionately called him "the Bear".

Leonard always worked hard, but along the way he made sure to immerse himself in the things he loved.

He was a great cook, and loved the cuisine of his Louisiana home. He was happiest with a cold beer and fresh, raw oysters in front of him. He was inspired by the outdoors, and often took his family hiking, camping and fishing. He was a music lover - from Jazz and Blues to Classical, Opera, Country and Rock, his home was always filled with music. He also enjoyed WWII and classic Cowboy movies.

He had a hunger for knowledge and desire to continually improve himself. He was a perpetual student and became proficient in many areas. He loved working with wood, and from his garage workshop, built furniture, and other custom touches in all of his homes. He obtained his Real Estate Broker's License in 1983, buying and selling homes as an investment. He also took several Architecture courses. He became a stock market investor, diligently studying the markets, well into his late 80's. He became skilled in several sports that required focus and precision; Archery, with bow & arrow, Marksmanship, with handgun and rifle, and his favorite - golf. He was an avid golfer, played often and practiced constantly. Even into his 90's, he amazed younger golfers with his skill and accuracy at the driving range.

He obtained his private Pilot's License in 1962, and went on to accrue over 600 flight hours in over 10 different aircraft, even training in aerobatic flying. He flew all over the country with his family. Following in his footsteps, his grandson Maurice obtained his own license, and in 2000, Grandpa Leonard was in the sky again, this time as a passenger. A proud moment for both of them. Of course, once in the air, he let Grandpa take over for old times' sake.

After his flying years, he took on another challenge in learning to sail, and enjoyed taking friends and family out of Long Beach and Marina del Rey harbors. As Skipper he captained trips to Catalina Island, the seas off of Mexico, and an island-hopping adventure in the Caribbean. To expand his access to the ocean, he trained and obtained his Open Water Scuba Diving Certification in 1981.

Leonard retired in 1992, and he and Joyce moved just outside Las Vegas. There they enjoyed playing golf, exploring the natural beauty of Nevada, traveling, visiting family and friends - plus a little gambling now and then. During this time, Leonard also resumed one of his greatest passions…

Of all his accomplishments, those who know him identify him most by his paintings. He was a prolific artist, and his paintings showcased not only his talent, but expressed his impressions of life and the world as he saw it. He told stories with his paintings, many including the people and places that were dear to him, history and cultures that fascinated him, wildlife, food, wine, and even outer space. His works of art are a treasure to our family.

In 2013 Leonard and Joyce moved back to California to be closer to their children. He continued to participate in his hobbies, and spend time with loved ones, for as long as he was physically able. He'd battled Parkinson’s disease for decades, and he fought back every day against its effects.

He'd say that he did almost everything he wanted...his two regrets were never learning to play a musical instrument, or speak a foreign language. His advice to all younger people:
"Get it ALL IN while you still can!"

Gifted in such a wide variety of pursuits, Leonard was a true Renaissance Man, and his legacy is reflected in the words of one of his favorite songs:

" I DID IT MY WAY "



Leonard leaves to cherish his memory ~

His children - Vanessa (Jeff), Gregory (Mae), and Kevin; his grandchildren - Dominic, Maurice (Sophia), Kristi, Konni, Jhonny and Katie; his great-grandchildren - Temoc, Kinan and Tonalli; his sister - Jacqueline; his cousins - Clyde (Pat), Shirley and Joanne; his nephews - Darrell, Kyle, Jason (Angela), Cornell, Cyril (Yvette), Cedric, and Chad; his nieces - Relinda, Cassandra, Yolanda and Angeline (Carl); a host of great-nieces & nephews, and many beloved extended family and friends.

Thank you to everyone who supported us with your kind words of condolence, prayers, cards and flowers. We’ve been especially moved by your heartfelt stories about how Leonard influenced and inspired so many of you.

We believe his love story has come full circle, and that he has been reunited with his beautiful bride, never again to be parted.