Leo R. Estrada

Leo Ronald Estrada 86, died on December the 8th, 2014, in Watsonville, CA. He will be remembered as a brilliant, kind and generous man who deeply loved his large extended family and many friends. Born on November 15th 1928 in Los Angeles, CA, the son of Albert and Petra Estrada. Leo graduated from UC Berkeley in 1954, continuing his education at the University of Mexico where he obtained a PhD in architecture. Leo served his country as a Reserve Officer in the Army Corps of Engineers. In December of 1952 Leo married Hope Alvarez of Stockton.

Leo and Hope started their family in Stockton, in 1961, they moved with their children, Marcie, Michael, and Audrey to Rio Del Mar. Leo had been recruited to teach in the newly formed Construction Technology Department of Cabrillo College During his 22 year career at Cabrillo, Leo served as Head of the Construction Technology Department, instructing and mentoring hundreds of students, many of whom he maintained a life-long relationship.

Leo established his own firm, Leo R. Estrada and Associates, where he designed several hundred residential and commercial buildings throughout Central and Northern CA. His wife Hope worked within the firm as bookkeeper and Interior Design Consultant on many of these projects, together they raised their family in Watsonville, CA. Leo also was a founding member of Associated General Contractors, an organization that promoted the education and advancement of men and women in the building industry.

His many passions included music, especially opera, ocean sailing and sports, attending many 49er games throughout the years. In the winters Leo and Hope could be found skiing in the Sierras with family and friends. Upon retirement Leo continued to fulfill his thirst for history and culture by traveling the world for months at a time.

Paramount to Leo throughout his life was his family and friends. He had an open door policy in his home offering friendship and guidance to anyone that needed a place to stay or a compassionate ear.

Leo is preceded in death by his wife Hope in 1997, brothers Al, Balthazar, Rosalio and sister Dorothy. He is survived by brothers Octaviano, Joe, Otto (Mable), and sisters Dolores Ortega (Moises) and Marina Estrada. Children Marcie, Michael (Barbara), and Audrey Estrada. Grandchildren Erin Estrada, Jessica and Leo MacDonald, Anneka and Alida Lettunich. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including close nephew and friend Marcello Ortega. Leo was loved by those who knew him and touched the lives of many. He will be dearly missed.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday December 16th, 2014 with visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in The Chapel of Frisbie-Warren & Carroll in Stockton, CA. The Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 17th at 11:00 a.m. at The Cathedral of Annunciation in Stockton, CA. The committal ceremony will be held at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery immediately following.