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Luis Leyva Obituary

LEYVA, LUIS
(1930-2003) On Tuesday, December 11, 2003, beloved father, husband, friend, and boss, Luis Levya entered eternal life. He was 73 years old. Son of Jose M. Leyva and Ramona Jimenez Leyva, Luis was born on October 24, 1930 in Penjamillo, Michoacan. Luis came to the United States when he was only 17 to live an American dream. Hard work paid off and it was 1965 when he opened the well-known restaurant Luis's Mexican Food, which is currently on Alhambra Boulevard in Sacramento. As a self-entrepeneur Luis was proud and honored to serve as the President of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Mexican Hall of Fame he also was current President of the Mexican Patriotic Committee of Sacramento. His community involvement has made him the recipient of many local, national and international awards. His love for soccer will also be remembered. His team Luis's won many championships during the mid 1970s and early 1980s. Luis is survived by his wife of 48 years Elvia Leyva, daughters Lupe, Leticia, Elvia, Silvia, and son Luis, Jr. Luis was the loving grandfather of Maria, Edward, Michael, Leticia, Salvador, Luis, Erica and Mark and great-grandfather of Johnny, Dominic and Edward Joseph. Luis also leaves behind three brothers, Francisco, Manuel and Jesus, and two sisters Maria and Dolores as well as numerous neices and nephews. Family and friends are invited to a public viewing on Monday, December 15 from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM at W.F. Gormley and Sons Funeral Home located at 2015 Capitol Avenue in Sacramento. Rosary will take place that evening at 5:30pm at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe located on 711 T Street in Sacramento, CA. Funeral services will begin with a mass on Tuesday, December 16 at 9:30 AM at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe at 711 T Street. Christian burial service will follow immediately at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery on 21st and Fruitridge in Sacramento.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Dec. 14 to Dec. 15, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Luis Leyva

20 Entries

Vicky Swartz

September 28, 2022

I started going to Luis's when I was 15 years old, remember when it burned, and cried but it came back and so did I. He had the best food and all around wonderful family. That darn cardboard cutout of him was so real looking everytime I walked by it I said excuse me, he is very much missed. Now I go to Urbano's the same menu and they are great one guy that is there and I took a trip down memory lane one night and it was great, so many wonderful memories.
Vicky Swartz

Eduardo L. Ameneyro

December 30, 2003

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts, prayers, and memories of my Grandfather. He will truly be missed. It is extremely comforting to know that by reading these kind words he will never be forgotten, not just by his family, but by many others who were able to meet him. Thank you again, your words are greatly appreciated.

-Edward

Silvia Leyva

December 29, 2003

Thanks for all your prayers.

I am so happy to see how much my father was loved by so manny people.

Silvia A. Leyva - Luis's youngest daugher.

Joyce Clark

December 26, 2003

Edward,

I was very sorry to hear about your grandfather's passing. Luis' was one of the first Mexican Resturant I found when I came to Sacramento in the early 70's and Luis would welcome us with a smile and chat, if he was there.

I hope you and and your family are

aware how much he touched people of all backgrounds. May you know our prayers are with you all.

God Bless and Keep your memories strong.

Joyce Clark & family (former Co-worker) at Sac. Co.

Mathew Cortez

December 16, 2003

Luis was a great man and will be missed in the hearts of many. I personally knew Luis and know what a great person he was. He always made me feel like I belonged and was important when we spoke. Luis will be in my heart and prayers forever. Luis's is my favorite restaurant and is the only place I would go for special occasions since I was a little boy. It will not be the same without Luis, but no matter what he will live on forever in our hearts and minds.

With Love,

Mathew Cortez(Mercedes grandson)

Brandi Vasquez

December 16, 2003

Edward,

I am sorry for you and your families loss. Your grandfather was a great man, and was well known for all that he had done throughout the Sacramento community. My family and I send all of our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Sincerly,

Brandi Vasquez

Whitebird Ceremonial Dove Releases

December 16, 2003

It was an honor to be part of your father’s beautiful graveside service. I’ve dined at Luis's since a tender age, and it was always such a treat to see him milling about. He was an icon even then, and as Univision put it, “a pillar of the community.” I hope the outpouring of love of family and friends, as well as the sweet memories you share of him are giving you comfort. And I hope releasing the doves helped, too. Please call me, (916) 443-2165, if there is anything else I can do for your family. --Anna Lisa Hernandez

gail pilas

December 16, 2003

Sacramento has suffered a great loss with the passing of Luis. His hard work and commitment to this community will forever shine. We will all miss you Luis..........

May God continue to watch over the Leyva family during this time of loss...............

Gema Galvan

December 15, 2003

On behalf of Pablo Galvan's family I would like to extend our deepest sympathy at the loss of your Dad.

Your Dad along with Luis' Mexican Restaurant bring back many wonderful memories of our Sunday family dinners we had at the restaurant when I was growing up (before the renovations) in the little dining area to the left of the cashiers desk. This is also where my Dad Pablo broadcasted his "live" radio broadcasts in the early 80's (right from the restaurant). My Dad enjoyed his friendship with Luis, we have many photos with your Dad taken during our dinners at the restaurant, we cherish our memories of your Dad, as well as memories we have of our Dad's broadcasts and our family dinners together at Luis' Restaurant.

May God be with you all during this trying time. Remember that your memories and the love your Dad instilled in all of you, will be with you always.

Sincerely, The Family of Pablo Galvan (Esparto)

Alice Cummings

December 15, 2003

My deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Luis Leyva. My God's love strengthen your family during this time of lost.I have been a loyal customer since 1970. He will be missed.

Pauline Rodriguez

December 15, 2003

My condolences to the Leyba family. Its been 20 years since I went to Penjamillo, Michoacan, but I remember the beautiful castillo that was lit in the plaza which read "Luis Restraunt, Sacramento, CA"... Being from Sacramento, I was amazed to see this so far from home. It was then that someone mentioned that Luis loved Penjamillo and often went home....I hear he was generous in Mexico as well. Again, my sympathies.

Pedro & Margarita Venegas

December 15, 2003

Leticia,

Our condolences in your loss, no doubt he was a special man. We will have your father & family in our prayers.

Pedro & Margarita Venegas

Catherine & Butler Baker

December 15, 2003

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. Remember, those that live in our hearts are never truly gone.

God Bless You all...

Stacy Keon

December 15, 2003

My thoughts and Prayers are with all of you. My deepest Sympathy goes out to all of you.It will leave a major loss in the community.

Jennifer Brace

December 15, 2003

Edward,

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Your grandfather was a wonderful community leader who will long be remembered for his generosity and the contributions he made to this great city, and to the Latino community in particular. I will never forget being introduced to Luis's restaurant at the age of 6. It's still my favorite Mexican food restaurant and I always enjoy seeing your parents there. They make it feel like "home." My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. God Bless.

Your friend,

Jen

Larry

December 14, 2003

I had never met Luis personally but had seen him so many time in the restaurant. His restaurant has always been a big part of my life. It’s where myself and friends had many good times and meals. It’s where I went to celebrate the birth of my son 20 years ago. I’m saddened by your loss.

Joe and Priscilla Garcia

December 14, 2003

The news of the passing of Mr Leyva saddened our whole family.

We have for years enjoyed his restaurant. It was always a honor to enter Luis' and actually see Luis (not the paper cutout). He had sponsored our Mexican American Softball Team a few years back and for that we are thankful. He will be missed. Your family, we are sure are very proud . Our condolences to all of you and your wonderful staff at Luis'. Our prayer will be with you through these difficult times.

elizabeth and mary umbalin

December 14, 2003

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. God Bless You. Elizabeth and Mary Umbalin

kelly dunn

December 14, 2003

I am saddened by your loss. Our prayers our with your family at this time of need....god bless.

Marie A. Loera-Wells

December 14, 2003

I am the daughter of Louis Loera and his ex-wife Hope Savala Loera-Anaya. I just want to say that we have lost a great man, and a icon of our mexican american community. My prayers are with your family.

Marie Loera-Wells

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