Ralph F. Leon, age 85 of Fillmore passed away peacefully on March 26, 2011 at Fillmore Convalescent Center surrounded by his loving wife and family. Ralph was born on September 19, 1925 in Los Angeles, CA to Gabriel C. Leon and Nicolaza Z. Frias.
A product of local schools Ralph graduated from Fillmore High in 1943. Soon after graduating high school Ralph became a member of the U.S. Army Air Corp. serving honorably during WWII in the Pacific Theatre from 10/11/1943 until 8/1/1945. Returning home from the war Ralph continued his education and attended Ventura College and received an Associate’s Degree in 1949. He then went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern California and in 1952. All of his education prepared him for his position as a Senior Bridge Engineer having retired in 1989 after 37 years of service.
Our father enjoyed coordinating family functions, especially our annual family reunions. He was an avid traveler. He has traveled all over the United States, Europe, Mexico, Canada and Africa. Our father was a lector for St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Santa Paula as well as a parishioner of the church and that of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore. He enjoyed watching sports especially USC Trojans and building projects. His memberships included the VFW, Knights of Columbus, Optimist, Oddfellows, Toastmasters and California Parlimentarians.
He is survived by his wife Rosemary Hernandez Leon, son and daughter in law Ralph & Betty Leon, son and daughter in law Gabriel and Cecilia Leon, son and daughter in law Gilbert and Marguerite Leon, daughter Susanne D. Leon, daughter and son in law Patricia and Manuel Torrez, son and daughter in law Jose Luis and Irma Hernandez, his sisters Evangelina and Lupe and brother Jess, 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services Honoring the Life of Ralph F. Leon will begin on Thursday, March 31 at 9:30am with the recitation of the rosary followed by the mass of Christian burial at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 W. Ventura Street, Fillmore. Committal and interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery. Providing military honors will be the Mercer- Prieto VFW Post 2043 and Korean War Veterans Assoc. Chapter 56.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family’s online guest book, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.mysantapaulafuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned and Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Svcs., Santa Paula 805.229.7054