Leopoldo R. Leija

Monday, the 3rd of February 2025, marks the passing of Our beloved Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather "Leo" in San Antonio, Texas. Surrounded with love and family, he passed quietly and peacefully with resolve and dignity.

Leopoldo R. Leija was an only child born to Antonio and Elvira Leija on the 15 of January, 1943 in San Antonio, Texas.  His father was a member of the U.S. Army Airforce.  His mother maintained a family owned Boot and Shoe repair shop on West Commerce Street in San Antonio.

Here he learned the fundamentals of business while helping Elvira maintain the shop.  Elvira was his world, and he was hers. It would be dismissive not to mention that his aunt, Angelina Ramos, was a major part of his life and upbringing alongside  Elvira and for her he also had a great devotion and love.  They all precede him in passing.

He attended and graduated from Fox Tech High school, and later from San Antonio College.  He possessed advanced mathematical skills which later advanced him in his career opportunities including his years at the San Antonio Express News Paper in the sports department.

Growing up in the 50's he was part of a local car club that often produced music and dance events at venues like the Antonian Ballroom.  He was an avid dancer, and it was not just a matter of opinion that he danced well. He explored and appreciated music that spanned the then still new array of musical genres, and he excelled at billiards as a hobby.  These interests he later passed down to his children.

In the 60's he made the decision that many do that changes a person's life forever. He married and started a family.

Leo became a Father of uniquely stern principal and unwavering resolution.  He worked to provide for his family and in a lot of ways you could call him old-fashioned when it came to fatherhood.  He was a perfectionist when it came to preparing brisket on a pit, and on many a Sunday that brisket was either a celebration or a comfort after cheering on our Dallas Cowboys.

In his later years he lived with family and spoke without fear that one day we would be at this moment as this is all part of life.  He departed prepared.

During this time of mourning, we not only memorialize his love for his family but his family's love for him.  We celebrate our shared hardships and joys that have molded us and hope that those who remember him remember him at his best.  For our family it was as a loving Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather.

Leo will be cremated without services and his ashes spread in private ceremony as per his preparations and wishes.

Leo is survived by: Children:  Jorge, Consuelo Lozano, Antonio Leija, Belinda and (SIL) John Foster, Marisol Leija, Aixita Leija, Elvirita Leija-Aguilar (SIL) Russell Aguilar. Grandchildren: Lauren Lozano, Rudy and MariaLouisa Trevino; Felicia Montalvo, Amanda, Anthony, Samuel, Jonah, & Catarina Leija; Zachary, Caitlin and Mason Foster; Isabella Leija-Maya, Leopoldo Ramos Leija II, Gabriel and Corinna Jansky; Tommy and Joel Lisowski; Ayden Butler, Ezryn and Evalyne Hernandez; Ethan, Elijah, Cricket, Eden and Ezekiel Aguilar, and many Great-Grandchildren including:Consuelo Lozano; Mariana Trevino; Isabella Renee Leija;  Ariella Leija, Alana, Anastacia, Adrienne, and William Flores. He is also survived by old friends and a vast extended family.