Donald Leyden Obituary

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald David Leyden, Sr. "Don", who left us on February 7, 2026. He departed peacefully surrounded by family.



Born on Christmas day in 1937, to John Joseph Leyden and Elizabeth Mc Sherry Leyden, in Bristol, PA. Don was the baby of the family with older siblings, Jack, Shirley, Kenny and Fred. Don was a devoted husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend and Raider fan.



Don was known for his kindness, open heart, and the deep love and pride he had for his children and grandchildren, qualities that made him cherished by everyone lucky enough to know him.



Don joined the Air Force when he was 18. After the military he worked mainly as a purchasing agent and ended his career as a District Business Manager with Kiewit Pacific Co. He worked for Kiewit for 28 years.



Don enjoyed woodworking, fishing, working in his yard and the Oakland Raiders. But most of all he loved spending time with his wife, his children, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. Don was ever present at all of his grandkids activities, even travelling out of state to attend their competitions.



Family was the most important thing to Don. His legacy includes his loving wife, Gayle who he was married to for 58 years until her passing in 2023. Don is survived by his daughter Valerie Finn, his son Donald Leyden, Jr., his daughter Michele Tong, Valerie's husband Nathan Finn, Donald's wife, Brooke Leyden, Michele's husband, Darren Tong, his grandchildren Monica Leyden, Melissa Patterson, Richie Patterson, Claire Tong, Kingsley Tong and Izzy Leyden, his great granddaughters, London Ritz and Blaire Ritz, as well as many nieces and nephews. His family will forever cherish the memories they have of him and the traditions he passed on to them.



A funeral and graveside service will be held on February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at East Lawn Memorial Park, 4300 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA. A reception where family and friends can gather to celebrate Don's life will immediately follow.



In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.



Don lived a life filled with compassion, grace, integrity, humor and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, Don. Go Raiders!