Roberto Mata Leon

Roberto was born on July 31, 1924 to Guadalupe and Aurora (Mata) Leon, in Watts Ca. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Frankie, Trinidad, Augustine and Ralph Leon. Sisters, Josefina Leon and Lucy Gonzales. While young, Roberto quit school to work at various field jobs with his siblings pricking fruits and vegetables.

Roberto married Angelina Del Rio in 1945 in Tijuana Baja California. Roberto and Angelina shortly thereafter moved and settled in Fresno CA

Roberto was employed by Roma/Cribari Winery for 45 Years. Robert retired in 1985, after suffering a knee injury. Once Roberto recovered from his knee surgery, retirement did not slow down Roberto. After retirement, Roberto enrolled in Vocational school to learn HVAC and small motor repair. While enjoying learning how to repair small motors and household appliances.

Roberto was active member at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church for over 40 years. In his later years, Roberto along with his wife, children and grandchildren, Roberto would take his family to St Alphonsus and maintain the garden, cutting grass, trimming hedges and trees for his church. Not realizing Roberto was showing his family hard work ethic and giving back to his community and God. Roberto also sold candles after 9:30 am Mass and would love to assist the priest by setting up the altar for the priest.

Roberto was a friend to all and loved a good belly chuckle. In his later years, Roberto loved spending time in his beautiful back yard garden and traveling, visiting his siblings up and down California. Roberto even traveled to the Holy Land and was baptized in the Jordan River an experience he would recall as very powerful moment in his life.

Roberto leaves behind his loving wife of 75 years Angelina and his 6 Children; Daughters Dolores (Lola) Rodriguez and spouse Jose, Alicia (Alice) Freitas and spouse Norbert. Sons, Roberto Jr (Bobby) Leon and spouse Sarah, Jose Luis (Louie) Leon and spouse Sandra, William (Billy) Leon and spouse Michele. And daughter Theresa (Teri) Gonzales and spouse Tony.

“Papa Robert” greatest pride and Joy was his 15 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Roberto also leaves behind siblings: Mike Leon, Louie Leon, Rosie Dautrieve, Vicki Alonso and Celia Riviera. Roberto also leaves behind several nephews and nieces.

Mark 5:19….And He did not let him, but He said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you”

Funeral services are as follows: Visitation 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM @ Whitehurst Sullivan Burns and Blair Funeral Home 1525 East Saginaw Fresno CA 93704 Rosary from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM @ St. Alphonsus Catholic Church 351 E. Kearney Blvd. Burial immediately following Mass at Fresno Memorial Gardens Cemetery 175 S. Cornelia Ave. Fresno CA 93706. The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Hinds Hospice for their kindness and compassion to Roberto in his final months.

Arrangements are being handled by Whitehurst Sullivan Burns and Blair Funeral Home, Fresno Ca.