In Memory

Joseph Leon

Joe R. Leon
February 17, 1946 - August 3, 2013
Resident of Hayward
Joe was born in Hayward, CA on February 17, 1946. He passed away at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto, CA on August 3, 2013 from complications of Type I Juvenile Diabetes. 
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Phyllis Leon and his younger brother, David Leon. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 20 years, Rosalinda Leon, his beloved son, Christopher Leon of Alamo, CA, daughter-in-law, Kelly Leon, grandson, Christopher Leon Jr. of Oahu, Hawaii, many uncles, aunts, and cousins.
As a child, Joe was a Boy Scout, and attended Winton and Bancroft schools. Joe graduated from Sunset High School, Class of 1965, where he was an outstanding athlete in basketball, football, baseball, track and field, and wrestling. He was a popular and well liked classmate. Friends from childhood and adulthood spoke lovingly at his funeral service. One friend who met Joe in 3rd grade remembered him from their first meeting as a gentleman then and throughout his life.
Joe joined the U.S. Navy in October 1965 and served at Norfolk, VA where he received a top security clearance as his duties involved handling "sensitive information". Joe had left home a California kid and returned 4 years later a young man of 21 talking politics and listening to Simon and Garfunkel as many of his Navy buddies were from New York.
Upon his return to civilian life in October 1969, Joe began a 45 year career with the Southern Pacific Railroad at Bay Street in Oakland, CA where he made life-long friends and where he spent some of the happiest years of his life. In the mid 1980's he was promoted to management and transferred to the San Francisco office. In May 1992 he accepted a transfer to Denver, CO. He retired in February of 2011. In June of 2012, after 2 years of declining health, Joe and his wife returned to Hayward to be near family. 
The happiest day of Joe's life was the day his son was born. He drove down the freeway in his Volkswagon with a sign in the rear window which read simply "It's A Boy". His son still has the sign.
Joe was a loving father, a loving and devoted husband, a devoted son, and a good friend to many. He was a modest and humble man. No word exists to describe the sadness caused by his passing, but there are many words to describe this wonderful and loving man. 
Services were held at All Saints Church in Hayward where he was baptized in 1947. He was laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery next to his father. Joey, you will be loved forever. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/insidebayarea/obituary.aspx?n=joe-r-leon&pid=166698555#fbLoggedOut



 
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09/29/13 02:04 PM #1    

Barbara Hand (Ness)

Joe was a very sweet and kind person, may he rest in peace and may God bless him and his family.

Barbara Hand


10/09/13 05:55 PM #2    

David Couron (Couron)

well said barb  no one can ask for more   than to be remembered well by his or her friends   we will all be together some day    until that day  my friends  


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