Wladyslaw Jan Leja

1938 - 2025

Wladyslaw Jan Leja
06/27/1938 - 08/08/2025
Wladyslaw Jan Leja, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on June 27, 1938, in Poland, Jan?s early life was marked by resilience. As a child, he and his mother fled Poland during World War II finding refuge in Tehran, and later in his youth, England.
Jan immigrated to the United States at the age of 17. He began his career as a Merchant Marine Radio Officer, traveling the world extensively. His adventurous spirit and curiosity about people and places never left him. In January 1971, he married the love of his life, Juanita. They lived in Spain for four years, then settled in San Francisco where they raised their two sons, Alexander and Christopher. Jan was a proud and devoted grandfather to Sofia and Sean, who brought him endless joy.
He was an active and engaged member of his community, volunteering on the San Francisco Museum Ships. He was an avid Ham Radio operator and participated in San Francisco?s Auxiliary Communications Service which provides communication support using amateur radio during emergencies.
An active member of the historic SF Lawn Bowling Club in Golden Gate Park, he enjoyed many afternoons bowling in the park amongst friends. His passion for soccer was lifelong-he played for a semi-professional soccer team in San Francisco and later gave back by coaching youth teams at all levels and refereeing youth soccer through CYO, Viking League and high schools all around the city such as St. Ignatius, Lowell, Sacred Heart and Riordan.
Jan will be remembered for his adventurous life, his amazing sense of humor, his love for his family, his dedication to his community, and the wisdom he shared with those around him.