My brothers and I met Hector nearly a half century ago when we were all kids. He would kindly involve us in his dates with our sister- and take us to the movies virtually every weekend. We would sit in a different part of the movie theater- except when we watched the Exorcist!  We violated protocol and sat closer to them; even then he was extraordinarily kind and generous to all of us- which I will never forget.  He was a hard-working devoted husband, loving father, wonderful brother-in law and baked  delicious tres leches cakes. My parents loved him dearly and he was deeply committed to them- for which I am extremely grateful. During the times of my own life's uncertainty, he always gave me quiet encouragement and support.  Even as his illness progressed, he always accepted a glass of champagne with a smile- way to go Hector!! Lastly, he was one of the few true gentlemen I have met in my life.
 Paz, mi hermano. 

My memories of Hector only go back about 10 years, but they all revolve around family.   I will always remember Hector for his kindness, sincerity and selfless devotion to family.   He was never the center of attention.  Instead, he was always there to serve and support his wife, daughter, mother in law or any family member who needed a hand.   He was one of those quiet men who understood that actions are the true measure of a man. 

Hector will be missed. He was always very helpful, thoughtful, and an overall great man. Some of my fondest memories of Hector were of running on the lakefront, working on cars, passing my driver license test, getting me my first full-time job, and going to the bar on a Friday after payday.  Just like my parents I cherish the privilege to having been a  part of Hector’s life. As they say, they don’t make them like Hector anymore.

Wishing a lot of love and strength to Aurelia and Laura during this very sad and painful time. 



Dearest Lila,
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.  Maya Angelou 

I first met your beloved at my mother's funeral this past October. I was struck by the kindness of this gentleman, in attendance  at a service for someone he had never met. It was a blessing that I have rehearsed over and over in my heart. His silence, smile and both of your presence,  spoke so much comfort to my heart that day.  You have been a gracious and kind co-worker at Lake Forest Hospital and I have had the unique opportunity of seeing your love story up close. What a beautiful Love.  I am so sorry for your loss.  I shall not cease to pray for you and your beautiful daughter. May the Lord give your strength and may He bless and Keep you and be gracious unto you and give you peace.  Numbers 6:24


 Hector was a very good uncle to my brother and me.  One of my fondest moments is going to Comiskey Park with Héctor and Aurelia.   Even though we lived close to Wrigley Field I knew which side of this dual  baseball city was the most fun! He  always made us feel welcomed and Special. RIP Hector. 

We are deeply saddened to hear of Hector’s passing and although our grief makes finding the perfect words impossible, we wanted to share a few of our fondest memories with you all:

“I always considered Hector to be a brother, not just a brother-in-law. He was the first person that helped me buy a car for myself. It was a Chevy Nova. He had originally bought it for Lila, who looked at it and said, I’m not driving THAT! Hector looked at me and said, Looks like you got a brand new car, Fernando!” -Fernando

“Hector was a one of a kind person with limitless generosity. He was always there for us through the best of times and the most difficult moments. I know that the Lord was waiting to embrace him without hesitation.” -Liz

“I feel so blessed to have had Hector as a godfather. I will always cherish our memories together and hold dear one of the highlights of my childhood: our perfect trip to Miami. He set a wonderful example of how to embrace everyone with love and acceptance.” -Melinda

“Hector and Lila made an indelible impact on my childhood. My earliest memories of them are marked by the sweet delight of treats from their bakery and the adventure that was our summer trip to Florida. In many ways, they both exemplified the best qualities of a guardian and role model. Although Hector will be greatly missed, I take solace in the thought that Lila and Laura will survive him in the most meaningful way possible: by continuing to perpetuate his spirit of benevolence and empathy.” -Magdalena 

Hector, we will never forget your warm smile and kind eyes. We love you forever. 

To the greatest Padrino a girl could ever have, you will be missed so much. Going through pictures brought back a flood of memories and emotions and I can’t help but feel so thankful and grateful for the time I had with you. You, Madrina Lila and Laura have always made me feel so welcomed and loved in your presence and home. 
I always loved spending time with you at the bakery and “helping” you bag conchas, we all knew I was terrible at it but you laughed at the mess and let me “help” anyway! I will never forget your big smile each and every time you walked through the door on my birthdays because you and Lila always made my cakes and were  so excited to show me what it looked like. 

I can’t thank you enough for the great childhood memories you helped create. You were always there for birthdays, life events and family parties. You and your big smile that would instantly warm the entire room up! As I got older, you and Lila always made time to get together with me and I can’t tell you how thankful I am for that. Thankful for the brunches and lunches with you, thankful for your advice on marriage and finances. Thankful for the stories you have shared with me. Thankful to have been able to know you. You are one of a kind and I am so honored to have had you as my Padrino. I will make sure your girls, Lila, Laura and Hashbrown are reminded how much they are loved during this difficult time and for all the years to come.  You will always be remembered, loved and deeply missed. Thank you for all of the great memories.
Love, 
Lizzy 

I will always long for the time we did not share but I will always remember the ones we had.  You were the most beautiful child around, those eyes, that glorious smile!  Our mother loved you much and was very proud of you.
Hope you know I love you and that I am so saddened by your early departure.
My only brother, may God have you with Him.  Rest in Peace.  Martha.

My name is Tyson. Hector was my Uncle. Hector was very good to both me and Bruno when we were children and I will always remember that. Both Hector and Aurelia treated us very well and as if we were their own children. 
I hope my Uncle Hector rests in peace.


The best way to honor someone is to always practice what you learned from them.
You taught me....Confidence; to always be proud of my work & much more.  You did that by taking me to see the final results of what I considered an ok job.  Those cakes never seemed beautiful enough until that day that I rode along to set one up.
R.I.P Don Hector you’ll forever hold a special place in my heart ♥️.

My husband, Hector Amado Leal, was a great father and husband. His middle name Amado meant “loved”. He was born in Gonzales, Tamaulipas  in Mexico. He will join his parents Angelita and Amado in heaven. 
The love of his life and sunshine of his heart is our beautiful daughter Laura Mari. His priority was always to make sure his family was happy and well taken care of.
Hector was a wonderful son-in-law to Ramon and Socorro Abrego , he is now with them. He has also join my brothers Chico and Ramon Jr. His wonderful uncles Gertrudes Contreras, Salvador Abrego, Jesse Rodríguez his aunts Rosa Abrego and Clarita are also there. His cousin Rodolfo Contreras and Hector’s friend Mario Testa Sr. join them recently.

Hector was enormously kind and loving. Always smiling! I know when he entered the Gates of Heaven his smile became bigger and his arms opened wide to embrace his wonderful cousin Elena and our loving nephew Mario Jr.
Sweetheart I know you are dancing with all our loving Angels. You will be greatly missed by your sister Martha, your nephews and nieces, your brother and sister-in-laws. Laura and I we will be OK because your life made us stronger and we will join you in the Angel dance when God calls us to your side. Rest In Peace  “Gordito” you will always be in our hearts!
I will take wonderful care of your “Sunshine” our “Pumpkin” our daughter Laurita! And of course your buddy Hashbrown ! Thank you Hector for a wonderful life, lived in love and kindness❤️

Hector snd Lila bought my first  when I was 9yrs old. Hector took me in the alley and said get on the bike and when I say go you start to peddle and I wont let go of the bike . So Hector said go and I started peddling but he let go and when I turned back I fell . He said ok let’s do it again . I’m going to miss his smile !!! He was always there for me , for my children . I am going to miss him dearly . Give my dad a hug !!! I have wonderful angels looking over me and my family !!! Love you always 

OBITUARY

Hector A. Leal

September 11, 1950 – February 22, 2020

Marsh Funeral Home

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