Leonel Acevedo

Leonel "Lee" Acevedo peacefully passed away on December 31st, 2025, after celebrating the holidays with his loved ones. At the time of his passing, he was 100 years young and had lived a life defined by love and service to others.

Lee was born in Rio Grande City, TX on July 25th, 1925. He graduated from Rio Grande City High School and joined the United States Navy in 1943. After his service, he was convinced by a close friend to attend college, and in 1946 he began his studies at the University of Texas at Austin. It was there at UT's orientation, that Lee met the love of his life and future wife, Olivia. In 1950, he graduated with his degree from the College of Pharmacy and returned to the Rio Grande Valley to marry Olivia and to begin his pharmacy career. He worked at Faulkner's Rexall Drug Store in McAllen, at Larson's Pharmacy in Edinburg, and then he fulfilled his dream of starting his own business - Lee's Pharmacy. Today, Lee's Pharmacy remains a pillar in the community, carrying on his legacy of hard work and dedication.

He and Olivia raised their four children in McAllen, TX, and fostered within each of them an understanding of the importance of family, friendship, integrity, education, and service to others. When Lee wasn't at the pharmacy, he could be found relaxing on the golf course, spending time with the vast community of friends he and Olivia had built, or dancing the night away. He was also an active member of the Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Serra Club, and the Alhambra.

Lee will be remembered by all those who knew him for his humor, gentle spirit, unending compassion, and Longhorn pride. In his final year, he celebrated his 75th wedding anniversary and his 100th birthday surrounded by community and loved ones, and he received a Certificate of Achievement from UT's College of Pharmacy and a Certificate of Recognition from the Governor.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents: Bruno & Eustolia Acevedo; his sibling: Ovidio Acevedo; and his son: Larry. He is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years: Olivia Acevedo; his 3 children and their respective spouses: Dr. Lee Acevedo Jr. (Hannah), Linda Mendez (David) and Lisa Diaz (David); and his 4 grandchildren - Lee and Olivia Mendez, and Dee Dee and Michael Diaz.

Visitation & the recitation of the rosary will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in McAllen, Tx at 9 am on Saturday, January 3, 2026, followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 am. Reception to follow. Burial will be at Valley Memorial Gardens at 1:00 pm.