Lionel Orlando Ledesma

Lionel Orlando Ledesma, of Jacksonville Beach, Florida passed away Saturday, May 7, 2016, at the age of 39.

Lionel was born in Mercedes, Texas on October 19, 1976. He was a Vice President at the Bank of New York Melon (Jacksonville) and previously with EverBank. Lionel held degrees in Business Administration of Economics and Business Finance from The University of North Florida. He was a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity.

Lionel joined the United States Navy after graduating from Weslaco High School in 1995. He served as a Submarine Trident Missile Technician and finished his career aboard the USS Maryland in Kings Bay, Georgia. He ended his military service with an honorable discharge in 2001. While in the United States Navy, Lionel was awarded the National Service Defense Medal, the Strategic Deterrent Pin, a second Good Conduct Award, and a Navy “E”.

Following his military service, Lionel intended to return to Texas but "took a detour" to visit friends in Jacksonville and decided to stay. Lionel was a friend to all and a devoted and loving husband. He had a warm handshake, a ready smile, and was the first person to lend a hand in times of need. His memory will live in the hearts of those who loved him. “Beauty exists not in what is seen and remembered, but in what is felt and never forgotten.”

Lionel is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca Thome Ledesma, his mother Luciana Martinez Ledesma, brothers Luis Ledesma Jr., Leo Ledesma, and Larry Ledesma. Lionel was a member of a large family and leaves behind many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, many of whom were also dear friends and comrades. Lionel was preceded in death by his father, Luis Ledesma, Sr.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Lionel Orlando Ledesma will be held at the Hardage-Giddens Home, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, Florida on Saturday May 14, 2016, from 2 – 4 pm. The service will begin with The Collect Ceremony of the Chi Phi Fraternity and end with The Presentation of Military Honors. Friends and family are invited to share stories of love and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, please consider the needs of his family. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 (904) 249-2373. www.hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com