John "Rick" Leon

Our beloved Rick Leon left us to be with the Lord on Friday, March 10, 2017. He was 50 years old. Rick was born in San Mateo, CA and resided there for the majority of his life with temporary residencies in Southern California and Lima, Peru. He was a graduate of Aragon High School and earned an Associate Degree from the College of San Mateo. Rick was a loving son to his father Juan Leon and his late mother Delia Leon. Through the years, he took great pride in being the younger brother to his late sister, Luz Leon and sister Maria Chavez and her husband Noe. Aside from his parents and siblings, he worked hard to create a strong bond with his nieces Michelle Adle (husband Ali and children Layla and Aliyah) and Stefanie Hirayama (husband Andrew and children Jayden and Zayne) and his nephews Jason and Joshua Cahua. Rick also had a very close relationship with his Tio Domingo and Tia Zoila, and cousins Jose Leon (wife Kathy and children Tyler and Brianna) and Susie Barrett (husband Todd). Despite the distance, he managed to remain in regular contact with his dear family in Peru. Rick was gifted in so many ways, but was best known for his deeply rooted faith, love for family and friends, great sense of humor, his appreciation of sports (Go Warriors), pride for his parents' native country Peru and his meticulous handwriting (where he'd often be accused of using a ruler to write). Rick was recently studying at CSM and beginning a new career in social services, where he applied his knowledge and compassion towards peer counseling. We will deeply miss his smile, his frequent greetings (especially on Wednesdays) and his good-natured spirit. Rick, may you rest in peace. A Rosary Service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2017, at Sneider Sullivan & O'Connell's (977 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo), followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 20, 2017, at St. Matthew Church (1 Notre Dame Avenue, San Mateo). Msgr. John Talesfore will officiate. Committal Services will be held at Skylawn Memorial Park (CA-92 & Skyline Blvd., San Mateo), with a reception to conclude services at the San Mateo Elks Lodge (229 West 20th Ave., San Mateo). All are welcome to attend and celebrate Rick's life. The family would like to thank all family and friends for their love and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to St. Matthew Catholic Church.