Leonard “Leo” Gutierrez was born, in Larned, Kansas to his parents, the late Jose and Maria Gutierrez on July 14, 1938. He was the tenth child out of eleven children. Leonard arrived in El Paso in the mid-1940’s and lived in the family home his father built. Leonard attended Cathedral High School and International Business College.
Leonard was married nearly 65 years to his devoted wife, Bertha. His children are Leonor (Terry) Wilson; Leonard Gutierrez Jr. and his only grandchild (the apple of his eye) Giana D. Torrez.
He worked for National Laboratories for 20 years as a District Manager/Salesman and was the “Top Western Division Salesperson” thirteen times. He then worked as a Chemical/Paper Specialist for Sysco H&R working national accounts and school districts. In 1983, he was hired as a Buyer & Warehouse manager for Valley Foods, where he promoted and implemented the “Just-in-Time Plan” which reduced overstock and maximized inventory turns. In 1993, he went to work for Southwest Distributing, DPI out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was in charge of supplying non-food items to schools, government (Troop Issue) and Federal prisons. His first two years on the job, he increased their sales by $120K. In 2003, he retired but he continued working on home projects that never ended, until his mobility and dementia took over.
Leonard was a man of deep faith; he always carried a rosary in his pants pocket. He was a member of our Lady of the Valley and then St. Raphael’s Parish. In school, he was taught by Jesuit priests and one of his favorite priests was the late Fr. Ochoa. You could often hear him having conversations with God and Fr. Ochoa despite his dementia – he never lost his faith.
He loved going to church, just as much as his black steaming hot cup of coffee along with a piece of sweet bread, pastry or doughnut. One of Leo’s best characteristics was his strong work ethic and his ability to breakdown, rebuild, reconfigure, rewire, restore, or replace anything. Neighbors, friends and family never hesitated to call him for his expertise when something went wrong.
Leonard is survived by his wife, children and grandchild. He also leaves behind his sister Carmel Rowles, his brothers Apolinar Gutierrez, and Gilberto Gutierrez, several nieces, nephews, and a wonderful group of friends.
His family would like to thank his caregivers from Hospice of El Paso they provided such wonderful and loving care to him and offered so much comfort to our mother. We are forever indebted to his CNAs, nurses and Dr. Reeves during his long journey home.
Pallbearers: Leonard Gutierrez Jr., Terry Wilson, Robert Gutierrez, David Gutierrez, Giana Torrez and Chris Zapata.
A visitation for Leonard will be held Monday, May 13, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 North Carolina Dr., El Paso, Texas 79915. A rosary will occur Monday, May 13, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, 1060 North Carolina Dr., El Paso, Texas 79915. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Raphael Catholic Church, 2301 Zanzibar Rd, El Paso, TX 79925. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Mt Carmel Cemetery, 401 S Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79907.
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