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Reinaldo R. "Ray" Leon Sr.

Reinaldo Leon Obituary

LEON, Reinaldo R. "Ray" Sr., 65, of Tampa, passed away January 11, 2008. Ray was born in Bronx, N.Y., and was a resident of Tampa for more than 50 years. He graduated from Brewster Vocational High School, class of 1961. Ray was a U.S. Army Reservist and worked as a civil engineer for Hillsborough County for 22 years until his retirement in 2003. He was an active member of AA who used his experience to help fellow members in their continued recovery. Besides AA "saving his life," Ray was a liver transplant recipient, making the cause of organ donation a priority to him. Ray enjoyed spending time on the beach with his family, and will always be remembered for his funny stories and words of wisdom, "Forgive." The family would like to thank the entire staff at Tampa General Hospital, LifeLink and all those who touched Ray' s life. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Leon, and is survived by his loving children, Kenneth Leon and wife, Gina, Melanie Pla and husband, Andrew, and Reinaldo Leon Jr., sister, Virma Rivera; nephew, Ryan Leon; nieces, Valerie Painter and Lisa Arroyo; his loving primos and primas; and other loving family members. The family will receive friends 4-7 p.m. Saturday at the chapel of JGR Funeral Home, with memorial services begining at 6 p.m., at the chapel of

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Published by TBO.com on Jan. 16, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Reinaldo Leon

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Terry Buidens

January 22, 2008

Ray became a part of my life when in 1963 he married my sister Jane. Their marriage did not last but instead, they built a long and loving friendship together that lasted till his final day. I thank him for three wonderful blessings -Kenny, Melanie and Ray Ray. My nephews and niece have lost a loving, kind and wonderful father.
I have lost someone that I grew to love even more as my brother. Just as Ray reached out to touch the lives of all those around him in his fellow/sisterhood - he also made a powerful impact when speaking about the importance of forgiving. His daily struggle to battle the endless fight against his own health problems resulting from two failed lived transplants was so strong that he still did not give up on himself. I want to remember him for being a kind & simple man. A man of courage & fight and the man who gave me the will to go on when I too had thoughts of giving up on the will to live. Ray, you are gone - but will stay with me in memories and each time I hug & kiss your children I'll hold on a little longer just for you.

Your sister in law,

Terry Buidens

mike jacobs

January 20, 2008

mike jacobs

Teresa Bobo

January 19, 2008

My condolences to Ray's family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of grief. I'll always remember Ray as a courageous, funny, loving and kind sober man. His enthusium of living a sober life will forever bring a smile to my face. His spirit of passing along "the message" is an example to us all. You will be missed, Ray!

Jeffrey Herndon

January 19, 2008

Ray,
You had an inner strength that few could match. Despite struggling with your own health problems, you always took the time to care about others. Your words of encouragement has certainly helped me and I am sure changed the lives of many. God bless you Ray. Your pain is no more and may your heart and soul find peace and comfort for all eternity. You may be gone from this earth, but you will never be forgotten.

Gina Cavallo Crawford

January 19, 2008

I haven't seen Ray in probably a decade. I used to deliver pizzas to him. Our families were close when we lived in "The Greens" together. He had an amazing sense of humor that I'll never forget. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

MaryJo Cavallo-Stover

January 18, 2008

My thoughts and prayers to the family. Ray, you will be missed.

Donna Smith

January 18, 2008

Ray was like a big brother to me he was great father and friend we shared alot of laughs I love him alot I will miss him

Carolyn Griffin

January 18, 2008

Ray was always such a joy to be around. We had so many wonderful days at the beach with him. God bless him and bless his wonderful family.

Sandy Cates

January 18, 2008

My deepest sympathies to the family of a man that made alot of difference in my life. He was a true friend and inspiration in my life. He touched many and will live on forever in so many hearts. God Bless his entire family through their time of grief. Many thanks to you Ray.

Karina Tashkin

January 18, 2008

The room always sparkled and became alive with your entrance. Funny and always loving. Sitting attentively to hear all the funny stories. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Leon Family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Ray siempre estaras en mi corazon. Beso.

Keith Jakacky

January 18, 2008

Ray,I will really miss you and our trips to pick up Joel.I learned so much from our talks during those rides.Thanks for "carrying the message" Ray.You brought smiles and laughter into my life.Thank you.
Keith Jakacky

Mark Loy

January 17, 2008

Ray,
It was a privlage and an honor to know you in my recovery and work with you and your brother Joel.
You will never know how much you helped me in every day life.

cathy Owen

January 17, 2008

Ray you were always a giving person.And for this my brother Joel found a true friend with you and your family.Joel will never walk along; for he always has you watchin his back. love cathy Owen Joel sister

Kerri Lynn Arroyo

January 16, 2008

To Such A Wonderful Father!

I thank God everyday for blessing me with not just one, but three wonderful fathers,and Dad you were one of them! I'll hold you ,and all the memories in my heart forever. You'll Be Forever Loved & Never Forgotten! I love you with all my heart and always will!

R.est I.n P.aradise DAD!
@--->--

To my two brothers ,and my sister & family, Stay Strong... I love you ,and remember this is a Celebration of life!
He's Home!!!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Anne Sheehan

January 16, 2008

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Lisa H.

January 16, 2008

My gracious thanks to Ray for being one of the first faces to welcome me into the rooms of AA. As a newcomer, he was my first "hero" who taught me to "take my medicine" by going to meetings. (He also taught me how to make coffee from a giant percolator that had perked thousands of cups and tasted as such!)I saw Ray as a courageous warrior when he valiently battled his illnesses. He leaves his legacy of hope and strength and I will sorely miss him.My deepest sympathy to his family.

Steve

January 16, 2008

Ray cared for others and touched the lives of so many. I was saddened to hear the news. Ray was there when I came in search of help, and he offered hope and a solution. I am forever grateful.

Bill Tracy

January 16, 2008

Ray,
It was a pleasure to know you and call you a friend. You will be sorely missed the the AA comminity for all of the help you have given to others. I am a better person for knowing you and applying your experience, strength, and hope to my situations.
May God bless you always,
Bill T.

Debi Leon Thevenin

January 16, 2008

With fond memories and loving thoughts...to the wonderful son that we shared together and apart. My prayers and thoughts will always be with you and your family.
Love Debi
Dayton OH

Joel BErrong

January 16, 2008

RAY you will be missed; for my brother Joel loved you.
You touched all our lives in a special way.But most of all you touched Joel life. My GOd Bless you: and the angels smile on you. JOel BERRONG

Libby Jester

January 16, 2008

My deepest sympathy to the family.
Ray was just a breath of fresh air. His words of wisdom will last a life time to the many who knew and heard him at the Wellsprings meetings. Ray will be missed by so many.

David Bosslet

January 16, 2008

With Love and sympathy. Ray was always much more to me than my brother-in-law he was also a great friend. I am very sorry that I can't be there to share some of my wonderful memories with everyone. Ray will always be in my heart as will all of you. Thoughts and prayers.
David Bosslet

JOel Berrong

January 16, 2008

Ray.I can thank you enough for touching our lives.For always being my friend always; and for giving me the will to keep going.When the going gets rough; and i think i will slip with my AA program; i will see your smiley face.And i will remember everything you taught me. For i know i am not alone
I love you Ray; you will be missed .Love Joel Berrong

Tami

January 16, 2008

With all my love and sympathy, I truly wish I could be there with all of you. Ray was more like my father through my child hood than my brother in law. I miss all of you and will always have you in my thoughts and prayers.

Debra Leon Thevenin

January 16, 2008

For all the memories that I will cherish forever and the wonderful and beautiful son we shared together and apart. You are now with Bobby whom we both loved very much and many more loving family members.
Love Debi

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