Carl Robert Leal
June 19, 1936 – June 21, 2026

On Father’s Day, June 21st, at the age of 90, Carl Robert Leal passed away peacefully at Mercy San Juan Medical Center in Carmichael, California leaving those who loved and respected him a profound sadness.
Born in Merced, California on June 19, 1936 and after living a short time in San Jose, he moved to Yuba City, California around the age of six. It was there that he built an extraordinary life, leaving an enduring legacy of faith, service, generosity, and leadership that will continue to inspire generations.
A proud United States Army veteran, Bob carried his love of country and commitment to service throughout his life. He remained steadfast and deeply devoted to supporting the men and women of the Armed Forces, veterans, and all those who dedicated their lives to serving others.
Bob found immense satisfaction in his work buying and selling real estate and structuring agricultural land transactions. His integrity, business acumen, remarkable negotiating skills, and unwavering determination to do what was right and honest earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues, clients, and friends throughout California's agricultural community.
While his greatest love was always reserved for his family and friends, Bob found equal fulfillment in helping others. He generously supported and was actively involved in the Sutter County community through charitable organizations, local politics, law enforcement and first responders, hospitals, schools, church ministries, active-duty military service members, veterans, and countless civic causes. His generosity and philanthropic spirit extended far beyond Northern California, touching lives throughout the world.
Bob was also a trusted mentor and loyal friend to countless individuals. He freely shared his wisdom, experience, and encouragement, assisting others to achieve success while never seeking recognition for himself. His belief in people and his willingness to invest in their future created a legacy that will continue for generations.
Although many admired Bob for his success in business, those who knew him best will remember him for his humility, unwavering trust and belief in God, compassion for others, and genuine concern for people from every walk of life. Those qualities, more than any professional accomplishment, defined the legacy he leaves behind.
Bob lived a life defined by faith, family, service, generosity, and integrity. He sowed love, loyalty, compassion, and hope into the lives of everyone he met, and by God's grace, he leaves behind a harvest of grateful hearts, enduring friendships, and lives forever changed. His example reminds us that true success is measured not by what we accumulate, but by the lives we touch, the hearts we inspire, and the legacy we leave behind.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Jill Hollier Leal; his daughters, Jill Leal Grant and Jan Leal DeFusco; and six grandchildren.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at:
Church of Glad Tidings
1179 Eager Road
Live Oak, California 95953
Family, friends, members of the community, and all whose lives were touched by Bob are warmly invited to join in celebrating the life of a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, United States Army veteran, businessman, mentor, philanthropist, and faithful follower of Christ.
In Lieu of Flowers
In honor of Bob's lifelong commitment to serving others, his love of country, and his steadfast support of America's military and veterans, it is requested that memorial contributions be made to:
Wine Country Marines
334 NW Macleay Blvd.
Portland, Oregon 97210
Website: https://www.winecountrymarines.org
Registered Charity: 38-3737505
Phone: 855-367-8762
Email: james@winecountrymarines.org
Rest assured that 100% of your donation directly supports military personnel and veterans facing hardship.