Ismael "Mike" De Leon

He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth De Leon and 7 siblings; Alan [Nida], Sonny [Suzie], Maria [Kenneth Wilson], Lilibeth [Jun Asias], Analiza [EJ Del Valle], Candace [Taylor Teigen], Conrado, Jr. [Ashley] and many close relatives.

He leaves behind 4 Beautiful children; David Anthony, Devon Ashley [Nick Desgrey], Donovan Alexander [Carla], Deanna Alyssa and his wife, Irene.

Mike’s passion in life was flying planes and 2 years ago attained his Pilot’s License. He also loved restoring Vintage Cars, flying RC planes he worked on himself, with such intricate detail and precision, buying and re-selling of Vintage collections at flea markets, as well as, roaming Vintage Car Shows in Pomona. Mike was a very detail-oriented person, who was naturally gifted in the Arts. In earlier days, he was fascinated by drafting and explored a career as a Mechanical Engineer. He was involved in SDSU’s ROTC Program as he dreamt of becoming an Air Force Pilot. Mike enjoyed learning about World History at a young age and often spoke about it, esp. when it came to Wars/Planes. If there was a War film in theaters, Mike would be there. He loved watching films such as The Tuskegee Airmen, Memphis Belle, Flyboys, Glory, and Pearl Harbor. He had the opportunity to travel to Europe where he returned refreshed and with a whole new respect for History and the Arts. He was so happy to be home since it was not easy to find places in Europe that served rice--“Only hard bread!” he would say. He lost 20 lbs. on that trip abroad.

Mike was larger than Life - He lived his Days with Pride and Joy. He was definitely fun-loving, humorous (“allriiighht, we’re going to eat Korean BBQ!” as he danced), adventurous (he loved going surfing, cliff-diving, jet-skiing, boating) and hard-working (he always woke up at 3 AM with a purpose). Mike had a great sense of style, which he inherited from Nanay, and passed onto his children. He made sure his clothes were ready for the day. And he wore them very well. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, dancing, drinking, and celebrating life with good food and good music. He was not only fluent in Tagalog and English, but also in Spanish!

Amongst the many things we should remember about him, the most important memory of Mike should be the way he treasured his Family. He loved them more than anything in this world! Anytime you needed him, at whatever capacity, as long as he can help you, and be there for you, through good times and in bad times, he was there! He never held expectations from anyone, except to love and care for him.

Ismael De Leon was a Self-less, Compassionate, Loyal, and Loving Son, Brother, Man, Husband, and Father, who will Most Definitely Be Remembered with a Sweet Smile on his face and a hot coffee in his hand. Most certainly, he was Open-Minded to all of the Blessings in his Life, good or bad, big or small.

You will Be missed! We Thank You for your Time with Us! You Will Never Be Forgotten!

‘Mael, Dad - Thank You for All the Joys, the Laughter, and the Time You Shared with Us! We were Truly Blessed by Your Presence and your Love in our Lives. And though your Life was short, the years we had to love you will be enough. We will Love you Forever!

Dad, You Got Your Wings!!!