Andrew L Leyba

Andrew L Leyba, age 74, passed away unexpectedly on May 15, 2025. He was born on December 30, 1950, to Joseph Felix Leyba and Ernestina "Tina" Leyba (Atencio) at St. Mary Corwin Hospital in Pueblo, Colorado.
Andrew's education began at Minnequa School, followed by St. Francis Grade School and Central High School, all in Pueblo. After completing his primary schooling, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy, where he worked as a Sonar and Radar Technician on the Leahy Class Cruiser, USS Reeves, during the Vietnam War. Following his active duty, he transitioned to the naval reserves while pursuing his studies at the University of Hawaii, and later at the University of Denver and the University of Colorado, where he focused on Biology.
After his Navy service concluded in November 1973, Andrew became an Electronic Technician at the Pueblo Army Depot from 1974 to 1976, and subsequently worked as a Program Manager at Mountain Bell (which later became Century Link) from 1977 until 2005. Additionally, he was employed by the U.S. Census Bureau (2009-2010) and served as an Election Lead with the Jefferson Elections Commission during both the 2008 and 2016 elections. At the time of his passing, he was enjoying retirement.
Andrew had a passion for cooking, especially dishes inspired by his travels to India, Italy, and Mexico. He became the beloved holiday chef for his family, known for making tamales, rice, and breakfast quiche during Christmas, and was proud to roast a turkey that was the highlight of Thanksgiving. A talented photographer, he captured the beauty of nature, breathtaking landscapes from his travels, and even the wonders of the night sky during eclipses and meteor showers. His love for reading spanned numerous genres, particularly political history, religion, and cookbooks. A self-taught guitarist and singer, Andrew shared his musical talents with those around him.
His adventurous spirit took him around the globe, from Australia and Japan to Korea, Great Britain, Italy, France, and Monaco. He cherished a memorable Christmas season spent with his mother in London and a month-long journey across Europe with her, where they visited the cemetery in Nettuno, Italy, honoring her youngest brother's memory.
Andrew is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Leyba. He is survived by his loving siblings, Evelyn Leyba, Kathy (Orlando) Roman, Sidney Leyba, and Ralph Leyba; along with three nieces, three nephews, two grandnieces, and three grandnephews. Andrew's warmth and zest for life will always be remembered by those he touched.