Jose Guadalupe Leal Jr., a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and dedicated community servant, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Valley Baptist Medical Center on July 7, 2024. Jose lived a life filled with compassion, service, and love.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Rafaela T. Leal, his children Jose Guadalupe Leal III (Rosemary Leal), Della Ruth Juarez (Arturo Juarez), Lillian Michelle Leal, Eduardo Daniel Leal (Desiree Leal), his beloved nephew Rosendo David Lopez (Leticia Lopez), his brothers Moses, Juan Luis, Ramon, Julio, Martin, Alfredo Leal, three sisters Jennifer, Paula, Saraida and numerous nephews, nieces, and other relatives.
Jose cherished his role as a father and grandfather. He is survived by his grandchildren: Rebecca Isabella Leal, Annabella Ruth Juarez, Alejandro Fidel Juarez, Ashley Janene Tumlinson, Zophia Jesel Perez, Emmalei Jesalyn Perez, Lauren Alexis Leal, Ethaniel Darren Leal, Emberly Danielle Leal, and Elijah Daniel Leal.
Jose is preceded in death by his parents Jose Guadalupe and Noemi Leal, brothers, Francisco and Hector, sisters, Irma and Della and grandson Ezekiel Jesiah Perez.
Professionally, Jose dedicated many years to public service, working for the Public Utilities Board, City of Brownsville, BISD, and recently retiring from LFCISD. After retirement, he found purpose in giving back to his community by serving as a construction manager with Habitat for Humanity, embodying a kind and generous spirit that touched many lives.
Jose proudly served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War, where he trained as Airborne and achieved the rank of Sergeant. Among the many accolades received, he was honored with the Bronze Star for his exemplary service during his military tenure.
In his leisure time, Jose found solace in fishing and had a deep passion for baseball, often cheering on his favorite teams with enthusiasm.
Jose Guadalupe Leal Jr. will be remembered fondly for his kindness, selflessness, wisdom, and dedication to his family, community, and country. His legacy of service and love will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.
A visitation for Jose will be held Tuesday, July 16, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM in Chapel of Peace at Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista, 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521. A chapel service will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 12:00 PM in Chapel of Peace at Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521. Followed by a burial at 1:00 PM at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521.
Serving as pallbearers are: Jose G. Leal Ill, Eduardo D. Leal, Rosendo D. Lopez, Arturo Juarez, Alejandro F. Juarez, Andres Tovar Jr., Jaime Tovar, Omar Tovar
Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be: Ethaniel D. Leal and Elijah D. Leal
