Individual Details

Death

Leo "Dale" Pittman was born on February 15, 1940, and passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025. Over fifty-seven years ago, Dale married Deanna, who came with a ready-made family that Dale embraced as his own. They added another son to the mix and raised all five children together. Dale is survived by Deanna and their children, Carrie Padgett (David), Lisa Jessing (Steve), Mike Pittman (Kathy Holbrook), and Robert Pittman (Stacey). His son Jeffrey Pratt Pittman (Jill Welch) predeceased Dale. Dale leaves behind his grandchildren, Amber Simson (Martin), Taryn Padgett (Landon), Daniel Jessing, Nick Jessing (Jesalyn), Seth Jessing (Rebecca), Jeremy Pratt Pittman, Justin Pratt Pittman, Cheyenne Pittman Robinson (Eric), Caleb Pittman, and Megan Pittman. He is also survived by nine great grandchildren, as well as his teacup Yorkie, Nellie. He was predeceased by his parents, Delmer and Ethel Pittman, as well as his sister, Gloria Miller (Keith), and brothers, Don Pittman (Anita) and Joaquin Pittman (Dorothy). His brother, Gary (Vicky) survives him, as well as many nieces and nephews. Dale worked as a mechanic at International Harvester in San Leandro before moving to Tranquility, where he worked for James Irrigation. He finished his career at the Madera Irrigation District. Besides his family, Dale enjoyed watching football, especially the San Francisco 49ers. One of his favorite memories was teaching a young Bob to throw both arms up in the air and shout, "Touch down, 'Niners!" He loved the beach, though he often commented that he spent the coldest winter of his life during the summer he was stationed in Monterey while in the Navy. More recently, he would drive to the coast for a lunch of fish and chips, which he did by himself since Deanna doesn't like seafood. Dale could talk for hours about cars with anyone who would listen. Cars, motorcycles, and golf were his biggest retirement hobbies. Golf, along with walking his beloved Nellie, kept him active even as his heart issues tried to slow him down. Other dogs he loved were Mini Mutt, Maximum Dogg, and Gus. Grandchildren's memories include Grandpa/Papa making waffles for them, attending birthday parties and graduations and cheering for their accomplishments. He laughed the loudest and longest at the six-month-old's and one-year-old's "smash cake" antics and loved their frosting-smeared faces.
He will be deeply missed. At Dale and Deanna's request, private services will be held at a future date.