Roberto De Leon
Roberto De Leon, 75, passed away surrounded by his loving family Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, in the comfort of his home in Moses Lake, Wash.
The youngest of 11 siblings, Roberto was born in 1949, in Raymonville, Texas, to the late Cleotilde and Amelia De Leon. The De Leon family were migrant farm workers and they would spend their summers working in Virginia, then traveled to Florida to work for the winter.
In 1964, the De Leon family migrated to Washington and settled in Moses Lake. In 1969, Roberto graduated for Moses Lake High School. In 1970, he was drafted to the U.S. Army and did a two-year tour in Vietnam, where he served with valor in communications.
Upon returning from the Army, Roberto married the love of his life, Anna De Leon, in June of 1973. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed their daughter, Denise, followed by their son, Roberto, and finally Amanda. He absolutely loved his children and did whatever was necessary to make sure they succeeded in life.
Roberto worked his entire life in the potato industry. After his retirement, he became a stay-at-home grandpa and was surrounded by his grandchildren every day. This role was his true calling. He taught his grandkids how to play baseball, golf and sometimes the harmonica. He made sure he was at every sporting and dance event his grandkids were involved in. He cheered them on and was so proud of their accomplishments.
Roberto taught his family to love Christ first and to always work hard for anything you want in life. Practice makes perfect. He was a devoted Christian, father and grandfather. His family meant everything to him as he was a devoted long-time member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.
Roberto was preceded in death by his first-born daughter, Denise De Leon, his parents, Amelia and Cleotilde De Leon, and eight siblings, Velia Powell, Alonzo De Leon, Lydia Garza, Arturo De Leon, Eleazar De Leon, the twins Noe and Israel De Leon, and Federico De Leon. He is survived by two siblings, Cleotilde De Leon Jr. and Amelia Alvarado
Roberto's legacy lives on through his wife, Anna De Leon, three children, Denise Pethick (Dave), Robbie De Leon and Amanda Martinez (Miguel). Nine grandchildren, Bella, Isa, Olivia, Sophia, Nico, Mikey, Beto, Victoria and Cami. Roberto also leaves behind a large extended family of nieces, nephews, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws who loved him like a brother and will honor and cherish his memory forever.
There will be a viewing and rosary service Thursday, Aug. 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Kayser Chapel of Memories.
The funeral will be held Friday, Aug. 30, at Our Lady of Fatima Church at 11 a.m.
Those who wish to participate in the rosary can come at 10:30 a.m. the day of the funeral.
Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at https://bit.ly/RDELEON1. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.
Roberto De Leon took great joy in his family and will be missed by them very much.