Leonard Sante Signani, 80, died June 2, 2014, following a long illness.

He was born Dec. 29, 1933, in Seattle and raised in Black Diamond by Renato and Klara Signani.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1953 and, in 1956, married Mitsue Hamamoto in Kobe, Japan. Following his discharge, the two returned to Maple Valley and he went to work for Boeing in Renton. He started as a mechanic and worked his way to quality assurance inspection. He enjoyed family, airplanes and cars, particularly hot rods.

He is survived by daughter Dede; son Kenji; and brothers Raymond and Larry.

A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21, at St. Barbara Church in Black Diamond. A reception will follow in the church hall.

The family suggests instead of flowers or gifts, donations be made in his name to Black Diamond or Maple Valley senior or community centers.