Leonardo (Leo) Rafael Mateu passed away suddenly in his Sandy Springs home on Thursday, September 24th at the age of 52. Born in Caracas, Venezuela to Gioconda Briceño Mateu and Leonardo Mateu, his family later permanently moved to the United States when he was 12 years old. Leo was a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. While Leo relished his Venezuelan heritage, he was extremely proud of his United States citizenship obtained in 2008. One of his fondest memories was carrying the Venezuelan Olympic flag in the closing ceremonies of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta where he served as the Envoy to the Venezuelan team.
He spent most of his professional career as a management consultant. Leo was one of the first employees at North Highland Company, helping build the company’s culture, and was the President of Experient Group at the time of his death. Throughout his career, Leo had an impact on many lives. He was particularly proud of being a mentor to younger generations, as well as creating the positive all-embracing work culture to which he was known.
Leo was not only a builder of companies he was also a passionate builder of fine wood furnishings. His passion self-actualized as a respected professional woodworker with first-class custom creations. Leo’s unique works adorn a number of homes and offices in the Atlanta area.
Leo had great joy and pride in regard to his family’s closeness and success. He loved Kimberley with all his heart and all that knew him recognize and appreciate what a big selfless heart he had. Leo adored traveling with his family and created many special memories of their adventures. Leo also loved the many years he spent coaching his children in soccer, softball and baseball. He was always their biggest fan. Leo was an encouraging and supportive man… always available to his family, friends and co-workers, ready to lend an ear and offer advice. All who knew and loved him will miss his infectious laugh, quick wit and humor, sage advice and genuine concern for others.
Leo was preceded in death by his grandparents: Leonardo Mateu, Isabella Pla-Mateu, Dr. Raul Briceño and Josefina Dominguez-Briceño. Survivors include his loving wife of 27 years, Kimberley Peele Mateu; daughter, Isabella Marie; son, Leonardo (Leo) Alexander; mother, Gioconda Mateu; father, Leonardo Mateu; brothers, Raul (Betsy) Mateu and Fernando (Mayelin) Mateu; sister, Coco (Fabio) D’Ascola; nieces and nephews: Sebastian Mateu, Daniel Mateu, Nicholas Mateu, Santiago D’Ascola, Sarah Mateu, Alex Mateu, Agustín D’Ascola, Valentina D’Ascola, Camila D’Ascola as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A small, private funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody, Georgia with interment at Prosperity Cemetery in Chamblee, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Donations can be made in memory of Leo Mateu to Wesleyan School: 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
The Atlanta Habitat ReStore Chapter for Habitat for Humanity: http://www.atlantahabitat.org/donate/
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5