Richard R. Leyva

Richard R. Leyva, age 75, of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, after a brief illness. He passed peacefully surrounded by his loving wife and children. Richard was born on March 31, 1948, in Corpus Christ, Texas, to Roque Leyva and Augustina Barrera.

Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He cherished his family above all else. He enjoyed spending time with his adoring wife watching old black and white movies, spending time with friends, and working in their yard. As a father, he was an anchor of strength with unwavering love for his children. He was always just a phone call away if you needed advice or just the daily weather reports; you could always count on him. He was actively involved in his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s lives, from various sporting events to school activities; he took great joy being there to cheer them on. He will always be their POPO.

Richard was a great friend to many people, including most of his neighbors. Those who knew him could always count on him whether it was cutting the neighbors’ yards or taking out their trashcans to the curb, the whole street knew of his kindness and consideration. He was the kind of person everyone admired a quick trip to the store or traveling to a different city would always end up with him running into someone that he knew.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Roque and Augustina Leyva; brother and sister-in-law, David and Edith Leyva; sister, Sandra Leyva; and son-in-law, Michael Garcia Jr.

He leaves behind a loving wife of 21 years, Belinda Torres-Leyva; father and mother-in-law, Abraham and Maria Torres; eight children, Gabriel (Sylvia) Leyva, Rene (Laura) Leyva, Meliza Garcia, Richard Leyva, Michael Torres, Melanie Franco (Gregory Carlucci Jr.), Victoria (James) Iles, and David (Eryka) Dominguez; along with 22 grandchildren, 10 ten great-grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, and other family members.

Richard was a person who just wanted everyone to be happy. He was not a man of many words but said just enough to be understood. He was undeniably a great but simple man.

Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 9 PM on Monday, January 29, 2024, at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, where a Holy Rosary will be recited that same night at 6 PM. Continued Visitation will begin at 12 PM on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Memory Gardens Funeral Home. A Funeral Celebration will be held at 2 PM at Memory Gardens Funeral Home. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The Holy Rosary and Funeral Celebration will be livestreamed for those who are not able to attend and can be accessed via the following link: www.Facebook.com/MemoryGardensFuneral

Those with the honor of being a pallbearer are as follows: Gregory Carlucci Jr., David Dominguez, Ethan Franco, James Iles, Richard Leyva, Eric Posada, Stephen Reyes, and Brayden Tejada.