Husband of former Brentwood councilwoman

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Johnny Earl Staton, Jr., a beloved Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Friend, Singer, Songwriter and Businessman on August 4, 2026.

Born in Los Angeles, California on August 12, 1956, Johnny was the first child of Irene and Johnny Staton, Sr. From an early age, he developed a love for music and for people. He was a talented Singer and Songwriter, a highly motivated Businessman, and a man who dedicated himself to everything he believed in.

Johnny was known for being trustworthy, supportive, caring, loyal and highly respected. He was a true friend to many. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved talking with everyone he met, even complete strangers. Johnny’s warm personality and genuine interest in people allowed him to make friends wherever he went.

Johnny was proud of his service to this country. He proudly served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He was also proud of his educational achievements. He graduated from San Bernadino Valley College and later attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Johnny enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 16, 1974, in Los Angeles. Shortly after entering active duty, he was stationed in Germany and assigned to C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery as part of the Cold War defense forces. During this period, Johnny faithfully served as Switchboard Operator, Lineman, and Material Supply Technician. He concluded his active-duty service on April 6, 1977, honorably separating at the rank of Specialist (E4).

Committed to continuing his service, Johnny joined the U.S. Army Reserve on March 4, 1978. He proudly served until his retirement on December 31, 1996, achieving the rank of Sergeant (E5). Throughout his reserve career, Johnny was a musician and vocalist for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 91st Army Division at Fort Baker in Marin County, California. He excelled as a percussionist for the marching band, concert band, stage band and jazz ensemble. His evaluations noted his exceptional technical skill, professionalism and the value he brought as both a musician and vocalist.

Beyond his musical contributions, Johnny served as a Training Noncommissioned Officer, mentoring fellow soldiers and earning the respect of active-duty counterparts. His dedication to duty was recognized through multiple Certificates of Achievement for going above and beyond in his responsibilities.

Johnny’s commitment to his country and to this mission of the Army was unparalleled.

His love of music was one of the great joys of his life. Johnny had the honor of performing the National Anthem for the United States Army, the San Francisco Giants and the Golden States Warriors. His voice, talent and passion for music touched many people and became an important part of his legacy.

Johnny was also a very active and dedicated member of numerous organizations in the Bay Area where he gave his time, energy and support to his community. He believed in staying involved, helping others and making a positive impact.

Johnny leaves behind a legacy of love, music, service, laughter and dedication. He was a man who could walk into a room and make a connection with almost anyone. His kindness, humor, loyalty and generous spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Above all, Johnny Staton loved the Lord and was a loving and devoted family man. He leaves behind and will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 29 years, Claudette. He is also survived by his son, David, his mother Irene, sisters: Tracy, Darlene, Candy, his brother Mark along with Aunts, Cousins, nieces, nephews, his Mother-in-law and the entire Barnes family, friends and colleagues who will forever cherish his memory.

Although his voice is now silent, the music he created, the lives he touched and the memories he gave us, will live on forever.

Rest peacefully Johnny. You were deeply loved, greatly respected and appreciated and you will always be remembered.

A private service will be held and Johnny will be interred at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA.

Theodore R. “Ted” Gross

August 13, 1960 – August 4, 2025

Theodore R. Gross, more commonly and slightly less vociferously known as Tico or Ted, was born August 13th, 1960, in Antioch, California, to Bill and Angie Gross. He passed away at his home on August 4, 2025. He was the middle child of three boys, all of whom—like their father—displayed immense talent when it came to making noise of some kind.

As a child, Ted played sports like baseball, making it big when the newspaper reported him as a “highlight” of the (losing) Falcons. He also wreaked considerable havoc among the general populace with his younger brother Al: from lighting the lawn on fire and napping afterwards to breaking more glass than a window factory, this version of Ted probably contrasts with the quiet, exemplary homebody you may have known.

Shortly after attending Los Medanos College, he moved to Vegas, staying for two years. It was there that he adopted the alter-ego “Tico” and moonlit as Batman (if you don’t believe me, check out the reported Batman sightings before and after his arrival. The data speaks for itself). Once the thrill of being Vegas Batman wore off, Ted hung up the cowl and moved back home to Antioch, where he logged many, many years with the EPA before his retirement. Window factories and the fire department finally got to breathe a sigh of relief.

He continued his gift of making noise, albeit in a much more beautiful manner. If there’s a stringed instrument out there, Ted has probably touched it—though his true love was guitar. If there’s a guitar out there, Ted has probably mastered it. His second true love was the Yorkie breed, and his third was his family. There’s a Venn diagram in there somewhere.

All jokes aside, Ted was a man of strength, wit and creativity. He brought consistency to those in his life; his presence was steadying, a reminder that although times change the people we love are a constant. His style never wavered from the nineties, and he never gave up on the Niners despite many disastrous years. While we miss him immeasurably, we gain immense comfort in knowing that he’s reunited with Mom, Pop, Uncle Rusty and of course his pups Nikki and Kenji.

Ted is survived by his brothers Billy (Tina), Al (Julia), his nieces and nephews, and innumerable friends and family members. We feel his presence in every Niners game, pair of Levi’s, vintage guitar and sublime combo of Buds and Marlboro Reds.

Photos by (left) City of Brentwood and (right) Three Nunns Farm.

Lifelong resident honored by family members, City of Brentwood as “steward of our city’s agricultural heritage”

Family has been farming in Brentwood since the 1880’s

By Allen D. Payton

A post on the City of Brentwood’s X (formerly Twitter) feed on Thursday, August 14, 2025, announced the passing of Brentwood native, lifelong resident, farmer, developer and community leader Ron Nunn. Born on April 8, 1933, he passed at the age of 92.

The post reads, “The City of Brentwood joins the community in mourning the loss of Ron Nunn, a lifelong farmer, community leader, and steward of our city’s agricultural heritage. His life’s work leaves a lasting impact on Brentwood and the generations who will benefit from his legacy.”

An August 10th post on Our Town Brentwood’s Facebook page shows Nunn’s high school graduation photo and a more current one, and offered condolences. “I just heard the sad news about the Passing of an East County Icon Farmer Ron Nunn at the age of 92 – 1933-2025 – Rest in Peace Thank you for being a good friend to the East Contra Costa Historical Society and to your contribution to farming. The picture on the left is his 1951 Liberty High School Graduation picture, the Nunn’s have been farming this area since the 1880’s. My Deepest Condolences to the entire Nunn Family.”

Ron Nunn’s graduation photo from Liberty High School in 1951 and a more recent photo of the local icon. Courtesy: Our Town Brentwood

A post by his relatives, Sam and Sara Nunn, on the Instagram page for their Three Nunns Farm on Friday, August 15, showed an aerial photo of the farm with the words, “Ron Nunn Dreamer & Doer” plowed into the field.

The post also reads: “He may not be walking tomato fields and cherry orchards with us anymore, but you’ll find him forever in all the countless places and people he impacted in the place he was proud to call home, Brentwood. He was larger than life and we all caught a little of his magic just by being in his orbit. We have always thought there is only joy in celebrating a life well lived, and with Ron there is no doubt. We will honor him by doing as he did, dreaming big and doing whatever it takes to make it happen! We are dedicating our 2025 corn maze to the memory of Brentwood’s best, Ron Nunn. Thank you for being you, Uncle Ron.”

As part of the 75th anniversary year of cityhood, a video interview of Nunn and an August 2023 article on the City of Brentwood’s YouTube channel entitled, “Brentwood Community Highlight: Ron Nunn” offered additional details about his life.

It reads, “Born and raised in Brentwood, Ron Nunn has firsthand experience with Brentwood’s historical changes over the years. Ron discusses his family’s multi-generational ties to Brentwood’s farming legacy dating back to the 1880s. He notes that the early days were marked by dry land wheat farming. The wheat was loaded onto ships traveling as far as Cape Horn, the southern tip of South America.” However, according to Ron’s son Bob, “Actually, it went around the horn to Liverpool, England.”

The YouTube article continues, “His favorite memories of growing up in Brentwood revolve around the vibrant festivities held at City Park, including the Apricot Festival, playful tug of war with Belgian horses, and evolving into larger community events like the Carnique and Corn Fest. These memories capture the close-knit, small-town charm that he treasures most about Brentwood.”

Nunn was honored by the Brentwood Unified School District in 1991 when they named Ron Nunn Elementary School for the local icon. All Brentwood schools will honor him posthumously next week by flying their flags at half-staff.

An obituary with more details about Nunn will be provided by his family and published at a later date.

By Allen D. Payton

Former Pittsburg resident, real estate broker, community leader and developer of a waterfront community in Belize, Mark Leonard, passed away on April 8, 2025. He was born on August 23, 1954. The following was shared in a Facebook post, that day:

“With broken hearts we announce the passing of Mark Christopher Leonard (Mr. Sweet Heat) who transitioned to the afterlife peacefully in the arms of his loving wife Elvina Leonard, on April 8th 2025, at the age of 70.

“Mark lived life to its fullest and had a profound impact everyone that got to know him.

“He was wonderful husband, dedicated father, a successful businessman and visionary developer but most importantly he was a good, kind and generous man who was a pillar within his community.

“Mark loved the sea where he spent a great deal of his time offshore boat racing in his younger years, deep sea fishing all over the world or simply sitting in his favourite chair at Blackbeard’s enjoying good music and a beer while looking over the bay of Chetumal.

“He will be remembered among many things by his sense of humour, his love of wearing t-shirts with out-of-pocket messages on them, his love of boats and his passion for Belize.

“Mark worked tirelessly to develop what is now Cerros Sands and successfully built a large and thriving community around this idea that he had when he came to Belize so many years ago, and even in death he made provisions that his legacy will continue.

“He will be missed by his family and friends as he speeds off into the sunset over open calm seas on his final victory lap, goodbye Mr. Sweet Heat, until we meet again My love.”

Mark previously lived in Yucca Valley and Walnut Creek, CA and Pasco, WA.

According to his profile on the Association of Real Estate Brokers of Belize website, Mark was the Owner/Broker of Paradise Found Belize, Ltd. and Cerros Sands with 35 years of experience, 21 years living in Belize. He had both Belizean and U.S. citizenship.

“He was a former Board Member of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce; Past President, Pittsburg Rotary Club 1999-2000; Chairman, Planning Commission, City of Pittsburg; Member, Power Plant Advisory Committee, City of Pittsburg; Member, Board of Directors, East County Boys and Girls Club, City of Pittsburg;  Commodore, Pittsburg Yacht Club; President, New York Landing Business Association in Pittsburg; President, New York Landing Homeowners Association in Pittsburg; and Commodore of The Cerros Sands Yacht Club.

Mark shared in his AREBB profile that he was “phasing out of real estate sales, as my son Chris has come to Belize to take over my operations.”

A post on the Cerros Sands Facebook page on April 8th reads, “We are extremely saddened to announce the founder and developer of Cerros Sands passed away earlier this morning. Mark Leonard was one of a kind. The outpouring of love from across the world for him has been overwhelming for his wife and children. Cerros Sands will continue and see everything he envisioned is completed and the work continues today!”

A longtime, close friend, Cyndi Williams, shared the following about Mark on Facebook upon learning of his passing: “And there you have it….my best friend Marky Mark had to leave us…just like that he was gone. I have so much to say about this friendship and the unconditional love shared as friends for decades that I could honestly write an amazing book…the insane adventures of Mark and Cyndi. The absolute best adventures of my life include my Mark Leonard. Knowing he found his true love brings me peace…Elvina Leonard Garcia thank you for loving my big brother to his last breath and beyond and loving me like a sister. Chris Leonard I love you like my own son forever! Marky well you took a big chunk of my soul with you….heads up mi amor…I am expecting the most expensive steak dinner ever…when I find you in Heaven. Oh boy…I hope they are ready for you up there….time to get that party started. I love you until forever and am blessed to have been loved by you. Godspeed mi amigo major….may the lines be tight, the wind fill your sails and your boat forever be the fastest! Go sweet heat!”

Christopher Nazir

June 20, 1973-September 25, 2024

Christopher Nazir, aged 51, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on September 25, 2024, in Brentwood, California. Christopher remained strong in his faith and optimism throughout his three years of undergoing extensive chemotherapy.

Born on June 20, 1973, in Karachi, Pakistan, Christopher was a beacon of positivity and selflessness, widely recognized as a pillar of his community. A successful entrepreneur, Christopher owned and operated three thriving restaurants; Mehran Restaurant in Pittsburg, Bawarchi’s Restaurant and Bar in Antioch and Zaiqa in Hercules.

His charisma and unwavering work ethic were instrumental in his professional success, earning him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and customers alike. Christopher’s passion to live life extended beyond his professional endeavors. He was a sports fan, particularly of the San Francisco 49ers and Golden State Warriors. He enjoyed going for drives with his family and traveling the world. Known for his culinary skills, he loved cooking and often hosted parties that brought together his extensive circle of family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Anita Nazir; his sons, Nathan, Ryan and Brandon Nazir; his mother, Irshad Nazir; his father, Nazir Masih; his four siblings; Christina Shakeel, Matthew Nazir, Edith Albert, and Sabrina Cullup; and his Father in-law, William Kashu. Christopher’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and dedication to his family and community will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.