It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives. - Samuel Johnson Jose DeLeon died peacefully in his home on June 30, 2013 at the age of 82. He was the only son of the late Juan+ and Rafaela+ DeLeon. A true patriot, Mr. DeLeon was eager to serve his country as an adolescent. He made several attempts to enlist in the U.S. Armed Services before he was finally of age to enlist in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 in 1948. Mr. DeLeon was then stationed in Germany. He also proudly served in the Korean Conflict in 1952. After two tours abroad, he returned home to Laredo, Texas and found a lifetime’s work as a professional driver. Uniroyal Proving Grounds awarded Mr. DeLeon with their special Two Million Mile Award, a high accolade for a professional test driver, before his retirement in 1992. Mr. DeLeon was a baseball enthusiast, and always rooted for the Houston Astros. He was also a member of the VFW and American Legion Post 59. The beloved patriarch of his family, Mr. DeLeon was kind and generous. He visited his daughters often and took many special trips with his family. Lovingly called “Papi,” Mr. DeLeon had an unrelenting commitment to his family and their well-being. He could always be called upon for a helping hand. Left to cherish his memory, is his wife of 59 years, Alicia Deleon - or as he lovingly called her “Alice.” He and his lovely Alice spent many sunsets together at the family view in Zapata. Together, Jose and Alice had three daughters, each a source of great pride for the couple. Mr. DeLeon always wished for at least one of his daughters to become a teacher. In fact, all three became lifelong educators. Papi is survived by his three daughters - Irma Cobos of Houston, Sylvia Rodriguez of Laredo, and Patsy Forotanrad of Austin, three sons in law - Hector Cobos, Romeo Rodriguez Jr. and Bahman “Gino” Forotanrad, six grandchildren - Christina Alicia, Adriana Gabriela, Celina, Russell, Jose David, and Ryan, along with his great grandson Aiden and his mother, Vanessa Delgado. Mr. DeLeon seldom missed a graduation, a school sporting event, or an awards ceremony. Papi enjoyed many holidays surrounded by his family. Little Aiden brought much joy and laughter to an already blessed family in the autumn of Papi’s life. Mr. DeLeon was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Guadalupe Lerma+ and her husband Alberto Lerma+, and parents in law, Higinio+ and Soledad Garibay+. He is survived by many family members and close friends, including Dora+ and Maximino+ Rubio, Higinio+ and Graciela Garibay, Pedro+ and Fili+ Garibay, Antonio+ and Delia Ruiz, Ray and Polly+ Pena, Ventura+ and Gregoria Garibay, and numerous nieces and nephews. Papi maintained a great reverence for Our Lady of Guadalupe, and his daily prayer included peace, love and health for all his loved ones. Mr. DeLeon will be missed dearly. His family will keep fond memories of their beloved Papi forever. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the caring staff of Heavenly Nurses and Altus Hospice. Mr. DeLeon asked that his family commemorate his passing with a private memorial service and interment, presided by Msgr. James Harris of St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 59 Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Flag Detail Unit of San Antonio, Texas. You may express your condolences to the family online at www.nietofuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local non-profit for veterans, Volunteers Serving the Need (VSTN) at PO Box 6433 Laredo, Texas 78042 (956-717-2960).
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May 10, 2023
Sylvia of Laredo
Sylvia and Romeo
May 10, 2023
Rafael and Graciela C. Ramirez of Laredo,Tx
Please receive deepest and most heartfelt sympathy. What a wonderful man your father was. May the countless memories you have accumulated and your deep faith console you and your family at this time. M
May 10, 2023
ANTONIO SILVA of Laredo, Texas
Mr. DeLeon was very special a hero at a very young age serving his Country at the age of 17. He will alway be a hero to his family and friends. He is probably looking down smiling as we write this guest book.
August 21, 2013
Mario and Rosario Meza of Laredo,Tx
Please accept our deepest condolences on your recent loss. Joe was not only an exemplary co-worker but a friend. He will most be remembered for his devotion to his job and his family. He always spoke proudly and with devoted love about his daughters. Joe's commitment to his wife was a great example to us the younger generation to follow. I cannot recall a time when he wasn't smiling and giving advise to whoever came to him. I know he will be greatly missed but rest assured he is now in a better place and that he will be looking over all of us. I also know that his commitment to us is not over, for he is preparing a place for us to join him.
Rosario and Mario Meza Jr.
August 13, 2013
Myriam Gaytan of Laredo, Texas
My deepest condolences for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
August 08, 2013
Selika and Danny Salinas of Laredo,Tx
Sylvia, Romeo, and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the beautiful memories you have of your beloved father, father in law and grandfather stay forever in your hearts.
With love,
Danny and Selika55
August 07, 2013
Rene J. Mendez of Laredo, Tx
My deepest condolences to Joe De Leon's family. Joe was a fine gentleman, the finest example of a family man and a true friend. Those of us who got to know Joe were very fortunate because of his sincerity. He was always true to his word and earned respect from all who entered his world. He showed not just his work ethic when at Uniroyal, but with his family. I was very fortunate to have joined him at McD's where we shared and humored our experiences. Now we celebrate his life and his passing for he is now at the right hand of Almighty God rejoicing with all who have preceded him. Now Joe will have an infinite number of accident free miles. May you rest in peace and may God's perpetual life shine upon you.
Thank you,
Rene Mendez
August 07, 2013
Sylvia Villarreal of Laredo, Texas
Please share the following condolences with the family of Jose De Leon:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16, 17 ESV)
My condolences to all the De Leon family in this very difficult and painful time. May you all find comfort and strength in Our Lord Jesus Christ! What a priveledge and honor I have in knowing his daughter, Sylvia Rodriguez, and what a beautiful soul and heart this beautiful woman has. I didn't know Mr. Jose De Leon, but by reading his obituary, I know he was a man with a passion to serve others and heart full of compassion and love for his family. Mrs. De Leon, Ms. Sylvia Rodriguez, and all his children and grand-children...." You were and are still so blessed by Our Lord, Jesus Christ , to have had such a wonderful, amazing and loving Man be your Papi!" Your Papi lives! What an honor to meet face to face with our Lord Jesus! What a joy must your Papi be feeling at this moment!" There is no better place to be at, than with our Lord, Jesus, singing and praising HIM for all of eternity !" All honor and glory to our King!" Remember it is not good-bye, but farewell Papi... Until we meet again!!" May God Bless you.
With sympathy and love,
Sylvia Villarreal
August 07, 2013
Antonieta Brewer of Laredo,Tx
Sylvia,
Mi amiga, my prayers are always with all of your family. Rest in peace that your Papi is happy with the Lord Jesus.
Thank you,
Antonieta Brewer
August 07, 2013
Elsa Rodriguez Arguindegui of Laredo, Texas
Sylvia, you and your family are in my prayers as you miss your much loved Father. What a blessing that he was able to meet his great grandson! He lived a beautiful life and left a beautiful legacy. I am so glad that I had the pleasure of meeting your father, while he was enjoying the simple things in life, dinner in the midst of his loving family where he beamed and radiated joy.
Love,
Elsa R. Arguindegui
August 06, 2013
Olga Paez of Laredo
I would like to express my deepest and most sincere condolences of your loss of your dearest father. MY prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. May you find comfort knowing your father has gone to a better place. Blessings to you and your family. OLGA
August 06, 2013
LindaRae Bimstein of Laredo, Texas
Dear Sylvia,
I was honored to have met your father and know him by the wonderful stories you shared. I know what an impact he had on you and how special your relationship with your father was. He was truly and extraordinary man and he will be missed.
I wish you and your family my deepest sympathy and my prayers for your stregnth and courage.
God Bless you
Love, LindaRae
August 05, 2013
Alexander J. Gonzales of Laredo, Tex. 78041
Mrs.De Leon and Fam.
Alice I'm sorry my wife and myself were not with you and yours in your your time of need. We were out of the country.
You know I really liked Joe. He was always in a happy mood. Working with him for many years. He was a good man, our prayers are with you and God Bless, Alex and Rosa Gonzales
August 03, 2013
Hector & Ida Rocha of Laredo, Texas
A candle was lit by Hector & Ida Rocha of Laredo, Texas on August 3, 2013
August 02, 2013
Daniel Flores
My condolences on the passingD of Mr. Jose De Leon. May God bless your family during this time and always.
August 01, 2013
Romy Castañeda of Laredo, TX
Sylvia, mi mas sentido pesame para ti y tu familia. La perdida de un ser querido es algo que a nadie nos gusta vivir. Pero tenemos el Consuelo que un dia los volveremos a ver y hay que recordar que para nosotros ellos nunca mueren porque nos dejaron un vivencias las cuales nadie las podra borrar. Dios les de el Consuelo y la paz que necesitan. Dios los bendiga.
August 01, 2013
Charmaine Hinojosa of Laredo
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing some of your most cherished moments with you father.
August 01, 2013
Patricia Sanchez of Sugar Land, TX
Irma,
Please accept my most sincere condolences. It is evident that your Papi led a most honorable, pure, humble, peaceful, and very happy life. He and your mami raised 3 beautiful and loving daughters and I'm sure he taught by example. His memory lives on in you, your sisters, and his grandchildren. May the love your Papi gave you along with the light of the Holy Spirit be what keeps your heart full of joy and peace throughout the years.
August 01, 2013
Katy Montgomery
I did not know Mr. De Leon, but have heard stories of his kindness and great commitment to family. I know that he is with his Father and knows no pain.
July 31, 2013
Eugene Dupont of Missouri City, Texas
My prayers and deepest sympathy go out to the DeLeon Family at this sad time. Words cannot ease the pain of loss, but please know that I am thinking of of you all and Jose'with our Heavenly Father. Gene
July 31, 2013
Dolores Slowik of Laredo tX
We offer our deepest sympathy at the loss of your husband and dad.
Reading his history he was a lucky man that enjoyed the love of his wife, children, and friends.
He will be always remembered with love and affection from all that knew him
July 31, 2013
America Natera of Laredo, Texas
My condolences to the DeLeon Family.
July 30, 2013
Mr. & Mrs. John David Charles of Zapata,Tx
Mrs.Rodriguez please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time.
July 30, 2013
Dago and Magda Flores of Zapata, Tx..
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times. May his memories help you find peace.
July 30, 2013
Mr. & Mrs. Roberto J. Loza of Zapata, Texas
Our most sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Jose De Leon. May you find comfort in your cherished memories and may he rest in eternal peace.
July 30, 2013
Aida M. Mendiola of Laredo, Texas
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one, Jose De Leon. Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow, you are in my prayers. Jose brought so many gifts to every life he touched. I will never forget Jose. He will remain in my heart, and in my prayers. May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you.
Aida
July 30, 2013
Christine Portillo of Laredo
Our condolences and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
July 29, 2013
Mr. & Mrs Zaragoza Solis III of Laredo, Texas
Dearest Sylvia,
Our sincere condolences to you , your Mother, and your entire family on the death of your beloved Father. Only God will give you the strength to heal the void in your heart. You have a very special angel on your side to guide you as you continue with your mission in life. Your happy memories of him will always a part of you, for he was your loving Papi. May God always bless you.
July 28, 2013
Jerry & Claudia Rodriguez of Laredo, Texas
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your loved one. From Vanessa's aunt & uncle.
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