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Sonny Leppala Obituary
Sonny earned his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at San Antonio and took his talents to New Orleans, where he worked as an engineer. But let's be honest, Sonny wasn't just an engineer-he was a builder of people. Later, his passion for helping others led him to a career with JBS Mental Health Authority, where he transitioned from receiving care to serving as a Certified Peer Specialist. In this role, Sonny became a tireless advocate for those struggling with addiction and mental illness. He wasn't just an advocate-he was a champion, the kind of guy who'd give you a million chances (even if you'd only asked for two).
Family was Sonny's pride and joy. He adored his niece and his nephew, and loved making them laugh with his signature wild wit and ridiculous antics. Whether he was cracking jokes, lending a hand, or being the life of the party, Sonny had a way of making the ordinary extraordinary-and he made sure no one ever felt left out of the fun.
Sonny's legacy is one of love, laughter, and a touch of chaos-the good kind. A casual celebration of his life will be held at the David Marshall Center of JBS, where Sonny began his journey as a peer specialist, on Monday, Feb 3, 2025 at 5PM.
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Kathleen Kizzard
March 27, 2025
He Loved Sardines, so Do II Miss him
Jamie
February 1, 2025
Sonny was working at the UC fitness and got us on the right path to health and wellness when I was in HS. I also worked with him at the commissary on RAFB. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Kelly Corbitt
January 30, 2025
Praying for this family that the love of friends and family, and the grace of God will carry you through this hard and tragic time.
Shirley
January 29, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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Roselyn
January 29, 2025
My first memory of Sonny was sitting next to him in the training center in September of 2022. We talked about everything from food to animals. I didn't see him often because he only worked weekends. The few weekends I worked, I would always look for Sonny and it was my pleasure to get the best greeting, the biggest smile and the tightest hug. Such a pleasant and GENUINE SOUL. I miss him.
Kimberly Lewis
January 29, 2025
Every other weekend Sonny would come in at 6am with the biggest smile you have ever seen, the greatest conversations and stories to make you laugh as well. Sonny loved talking about his family and the new addition to the family Butter Bean the sweetest little dog ever, I absolutely love Sonny and he will be greatly missed rest in heaven my brother.
Johnnay Jones
January 29, 2025
My my Sonny! Your true purpose was evident. You were always friendly, compassionate, and on fire for helping individuals in need. Your passion was extremely radiant and I´ll always miss seeing your smiling face. I will also miss how you would make me laugh. I´ll miss you dearly! Get your rest! We shall meet again one day!
Renae Wesson
January 29, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rogenea Skipper
January 29, 2025
The world will not be as bright without Sonny He will greatly missed
Michael mckenna
January 28, 2025
We always knew when sunny entered the room and were always happier and better off for it. He helped many people, along more than he knew. It was a life that mattered.
Jausmine M
January 28, 2025
Sonny, Sonny, Sonny..since day 1 at the CCCC! I´ll miss your kindness, your words of affirmation, and most importantly your unwavering commitment and advocacy for Mental Health! May God bless your family and friends at this time.
Melissa Dunning-Spears
January 28, 2025
I can´t think of just one memory of Sonny. there were so many that come to mind. He convinced me to become a certified peer specialist, out of his passion for his job, and for knowing that it would be a passion of mine as well. He helped me through the whole process and even helped me study for the test. Sonny was an encourager, he believed in people, and he always made you feel better, no matter how you were feeling. He knew about my obsession with my horse, and he always made it a point every time we spoke to ask about my horse and occasionally he would send me random pictures of horses that he saw along the road. just letting me know he was thinking of me. I miss sonny so much. And as the days go on, I know I will continue to miss him more and more. He shared a lot with me about his life, and I know how happy and thrilled he was to be connected with his sister along with his niece and nephew. They meant the world to sonny. He sat me down one day just to tell me how ecstatic he was about being able to spend last year`s holidays with them. And when his sister got the dog, or maybe she had it already, I´m not sure, but anyway Sonny loved that dog to pieces and he was always sending me pictures of that dog. Like I said he had a heart of gold for people, for animals, and for mankind in general. We will never find another sonny. And he will never ever be forgotten. I wish peace and comfort to his family and I want you to know how much he meant to me. And how much he loved you all.
Kathleen
January 28, 2025
His Smile
Sharon Davis
January 28, 2025
Sonny was my partner at work. Building people is what we do. He will be missed. I don't know how I will handle not having my side kick.
Kim Matthews
January 28, 2025
Sending my condolences to the family & friends. Sonny and I usually worked on the weekend at the Craig Crisis Center. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, wherever he was needed. For the short time we worked together, I grew really fond of Sonny. I could definitely tell he was passionate about the work he did. He will surely be missed by many... Rest well Sonny.
JoAnn Abdullah
January 28, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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