CYGNAROWICZ

LEONARD PAUL

Of Rio Vista, California, passed away on January 17, 2026, at the age of 86, surrounded by his loving family. Leonard was born on June 29, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the youngest child of Sophia and Walter Cygnarowicz's nine children. He grew up in Lawrenceville and attended Holy Family Catholic School and Central Catholic High School. He met Helen at age 16, whom he married five years later. They raised six children: Laine, Joe, Jenni, Jill, Paul and Pamela. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 1969, with a degree in Electrical Engineering, the family drove across the country to Cupertino, CA, where Leonard began his 40-plus-year career as a design engineer in Silicon Valley. Upon retirement, Leonard and Helen moved from San Jose CA, to their beloved community of Rio Vista.

Leonard was an engineer by profession, a craftsman at heart, a master chef, and avid skier. He loved exploring California's many beaches and mountains, packing the family into the station wagon with a cooler full of wine and cheese for the day's adventures. He loved all genres of music, singing his own silly lyrics to popular tunes, and read a gazillion books of all kinds. A lifelong learner, he designed and executed many home improvement projects, and took up the piano at age 80. The Warriors, Steelers, and 49ers brought him special joy.

Above all, Leonard cherished his wife of 65 years and his children and extended family. He was extraordinarily generous, and devoted his time and energy to ensuring that, whether near or far, all knew that he was thinking about them and sending them his love. His memory will always bring comfort to those who knew him.

All family, friends, and neighbors are welcome to attend his Memorial Service on February 21, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 130 S. Fourth Street, Rio Vista.