Mateo Leal-Martinez

Mateo Leal-Martinez of Dallas, Texas, passed away on November 21, 2022, at the age of 16 years. Mateo is survived by his parents David and Olivia Martinez,;his brothers Carl and Isai; his paternal grandparents David Martinez of San Antonio, Texas, and grandmother Rebecca Martinez of Universal City, Texas. Mateo is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Melquiades Leal Leyva and Maria Del Rosario Quinonez, and his uncle Franscisco Rafael Leal Quinonez.

Mateo was a student at JJ Pierce High School in Richardson, Texas. Through all of Mateo's grade school and high school education he was affectionately remembered by his contagious smile. He was an athlete with so many abilities - from a natural baseball player, a long stride presence on the track and a fierce soccer player.

Mateo had an unmatched appreciation for music of all genres ,but was drawn to classical and oldies tunes. His parents remember his enjoyment listening to artists like Nat King Cole, mariachi music, Luis Miguel, Bonnie Tyler, Elton John, Billy Joel and many others. Recently he had decided to start playing the cello again.

He had also grown a new hobby of photography and it was a way for him to capture his other love, the outdoors and nature. Sunset photos - remember him with every sunset or sunrise you see for he loved to capture the colors of the sky. He loved his dogs Shima and Mila so much; Shima was his sleeping buddy. His laugh could be heard throughout his home as he saw a funny video or reacted to his friends. He loved his two brothers Isai and Carl; they were everything for him.

Mateo will be deeply missed by his family of many aunts, uncles and cousins, his comradery of friends and the entire community of families that have been impacted by such a young death.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Leal-Martinez family.