Roland Edward Leal

Roland Edward Leal, aka Stroller, was a kind special person that touched the heart of everyone that knew him. He was called home to the Lord on March 10, 2014 with his family and friends by his side. He was diagnosed with cancer March 2013 right after celebrating his 60th birthday. Again celebrating his 61st birthday by playing golf for the 1st time (after a clean bill of health) with his best buddies Zeke, Roy and Jack…he played 18 holes…then celebrated his birthday at the infamous Club House. He was very proud to be a member of the Pan American Golf Assoc. and was just recently elected to the board. Roland started playing baseball at a very young age at St. James CYO with the help of his father Jesus as his pitching coach, and throughout his baseball career he played at Jefferson High School-Class of ‘71 then on to St. Mary’s University-BA ’77 and the Spanish-American League. He moved on to the game of fast–pitch, recruited by Jello with the S.A JayHawks and that’s when the name Stroller was born…he could play the game and you could always count on him to get a hit. In 1987 they won the ASA-National Championship/Fast Pitch in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He worked at the United Parcel Service and was a member of the Teamsters Local Union 657 for 35 years as a driver…thanks to Pete Barela. He loved his customers and they loved him; and it showed at Christmas time. He made the Circle of Honor which is a very prestigious award. He always gave 110%, in early and out late. He loved his job and his family co-workers, they were all his brothers. UPS, we Thank You for all your support and guidance. He was preceded in death by his father, Jesus Leal and sister, Stella L. Casillas. Roland is survived by his mother, Estella P. Leal; wife, Linda A. Giddens and their baby, Chole; nieces Amanda C. Gallegos and her husband, Rick, and Lisa Martinez and her husband, Adrian; great nieces and nephews, Marissa & Rick Gallegos, Daniel, Duncan & Lilliana Brown; godson, Steven Espinoza; and goddaughter, Laila Anderson. We are left with many happy memories that will be cherished forever. Happy Trails…’till we meet again. Visitation will take place from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2014 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. There will be a 8:30 A.M. departure, Saturday, March 15, 2014 from Sunset Funeral Home Chapel for a 9:00 A.M. Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Services will conclude at the church. Condolences may be offered at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com.