Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1947
DIED
2014
Leonard Belota Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Belota
Sponsored by the Star-Telegram.
Bob Strickland
April 18, 2024
I met Len at his work in a music store in Arlington, Texas. He was friendly and unpretentious. As soon as we realized that both of us were trumpet enthusiasts, we became fast friends. He invited me to play in his jam session and in the Tarrant County Community College Jazz Band, under the direction of Rick Stitzel (another great musician), and we talked on the phone many times. Len moved to New York to seek opportunity, but his love for Fort Worth pulled him back home. Sadly, he lost the battle with diabetes, and we lost a great student of the trumpet, a mentor, and a loyal friend. I still miss him, as do just about everyone that he touched along the way. I hope he has taken a position in the heavenly trumpet section and that we meet again there where nobody ever misses a note! God bless and comfort his family and other loved ones.
Mary Becan
August 3, 2021
Miss you everyday. Our talks, cooking together and listening to your music will always remain in my memory of you. Loved you very much
Sheryl Becan
September 9, 2014
Dear Betsy and the entire Belota Family - Anthony and I send our condolences to each of you as you travel down a very difficult road following Leonard's passing. Betsy, we didn't have the opportunity to see you and Leonard as often as we would have liked, but you both were so friendly and gracious whenever we did meet, it made us feel like part of your family. The last time I spoke with Corky was at his dad's funeral, and I was touched by his heartfelt comments about the qualitities that he admired in his father. The love and respect he felt was evident, and I was touched that he was comfortable in expressing his feelings to someone that he seldom saw. He was very genuine and eloquent. Corky was a good man who was taken from those who loved him far too soon. May you all be comforted by happy memories of a life well-lived. Sincerely, Sheryl and Anthony
Ron Puckett
August 12, 2014
What a kind and generous man! In talking with him, I always enjoyed Leonard's depth and understanding of jazz, as well as his playing. I was honored to have known him the short time that I did. Condolences to you Betsy and your families. Ron Puckett
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
August 10, 2014
Dear Brother Leonard,
I will miss you so much. Just the thought of never hearing your horn again or talking with you about musis, never seeing your smiling face again, never getting that musicians hug again brings me to tears. I love you and will always miss you. I know we'll meet again ih heaven.
God love you and keep you
Til we meet again
Br.in law
Michael G.Becan Sr.
Justin Lewis
August 10, 2014
Leonard was first my teacher, became my friend, and I will remember him as an (adopted) father. His instruction and advice, though rooted in music, was always about life. I'm a better man for having Leonard in my life and I will cherish the memories.
Phillip Dvorak
August 10, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Leonard was my teacher in the early 70's. He will be missed. God bless You.
August 10, 2014
He was a great mentor and teacher to my son, Justin
Karen Lewis
Arthur Nutt
August 8, 2014
My buddy, Leonard. I have spoken fondly of you many times. Playing together at TWC and in those many Dallas nightclubs we had such fun. You taught me so much about trumpet and life. I will carry you in my heart forever. With brotherly love. Art
edna manley
August 8, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Leonard from Wesleyan. I remember what a good musician he was. He was a nice guy!
Edna Manley
Edna Manley
Manuel Marin
August 7, 2014
Mary, I'm so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. God bless you all!.
Diane Atchison
August 7, 2014
Mary my condolences to your family. Prayers to all of you.
August 7, 2014
Mary I am so sorry to hear about our brother. My condolences to your family and prayers. Diane Atchison
August 6, 2014
The cliché, the acorn does not fall far from the tree is apropos here. I can certainly understand why people speak in reverence of the members of the Belota clan; Leonard and Agnes. Leonard Jr. will be missed and our prayers are with the family.
Randall and Sandra Hoggard
August 6, 2014
Condolences to friends and Family. Leonard was not just a classmate he was a good friend. He will be with us in our hearts forever.
Robert Reed
David Griffin
August 6, 2014
Will miss you, old friend. A great college roomate and amazing musician!
Detra Flatt
August 6, 2014
Betsy and Belota family,
Please know I share your grief. Leonard was a dear friend and I will miss him very much. Special thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
August 6, 2014
Such sadness to know Leonard has passed away. We were best buddies at TWC. He playing the trumpet and I the saxophone. He shared his love of music with thousands......what a legacy !
Respectfully submitted,
Vickie Swift Pinske
Joseph Nasche
August 6, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Paul Metzger
August 6, 2014
Leonard and I shared the stage at Scat Jazz Lounge dozens of times. He never took any money to be the "fifth member" of the Sunday Jazz Jam. Only later did I learn that he had been dealing with health issues all of his life (no wonder he always left early!), but he always brought his warm sound and spirit to the bandstand. He loved playing music at least as much as me; I miss him; his sound, his grace and his humor are irreplaceable imho.
Jim Trietsch
August 6, 2014
I knew Leonard during I believe his 2nd entry into Texas Wesleyan, since he was older than the rest of us he was a mentor to the rest of us. I lost touch after graduation but always thought of him. a couple of years ago I uncovered a recording of a Jazz Concert we played in Greely Colo. and had some fond memories of him and the group.
Rhonda Belota Psencik
August 6, 2014
My loving Uncle has touched so many lives over the years. He inspired my interest in music as a child encouraging my musical interests in piano and with the alto sax. He continued the family tradition by supporting my cousin Jacob and his love for music.
He was glad to hear recently Paxton his great nephew shared his love for music as well:)
He will be deeply missed but I have comfort in knowing he joins a great party in heaven reuniting with his parents and our cousin Jacob:)
We will see you again some day uncle Corky.
Love you
Bill Atwood
August 6, 2014
I join so many in our community and especially the music community in sending condolences to Betsy and Leonard's family. He was a very special man and he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Bill Atwood
August 6, 2014
The world lost a good person, great jazz performer and teacher and friend to many musicians. Leonard will be missed by many.
August 6, 2014
I was saddened to hear about the passing of your brother Leonard. I also graduated in the class of 1965. I remember seeing Leonard perform joyfully with his trumpet. I also remember attending mass with him at All Saints Catholic Church. I cherish those memories.
Linda Nickel
August 6, 2014
Thinking of you.
Marie Lee Long
August 6, 2014
I lived next door to the Belota family when Leonard, Jr. was a child. Ronnie & Mary Jane were born while they lived in the Washington Heights neighborhood. Everyone called Leonard, Jr. "Corkey" back then. I have pictures of Leonard, Ronnie and Mary Jane. If any of the family is interested, contact me and I will scan them and send them to you. May God's richest blessing be upon your family.
Paul Smith
August 6, 2014
I played with Leonard at TWC back in the '70's. I even bought an trumpet from him. Leonard was always generous when it came to music. Very supportive without judging.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Connie Upshaw
August 6, 2014
Belota family. So sorry for the loss of Leonard your husband, brother, uncle and great uncle.
He always had a smile and was kind and generous. Thinking and praying for you.
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Make a Donation
in Leonard Belota's name
Memorial Events
for Leonard Belota
People and places connected with Leonard
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Leonard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Leonard Belota's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
