Benito “Benny” Guadalupe De Leon, age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on February 4, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on November 26, 1941, in San Antonio to Raphael and Lucia De Leon. Benny graduated from Luther Burbank High School in 1961 and joined the U.S. Navy. On January 30th, 1965, he married the love of his life Elva Villarreal. After a brief tenure at Southwest Research, he joined the San Antonio Fire Department in 1967 where he enjoyed a 31-year career retiring with the rank of Lieutenant in 1998. Benny spent the majority of his career in downtown San Antonio as Lieutenant at “old” station 11 from 1976 to 1998. He was well respected by his peers and loved helping others throughout his career as a firefighter. He had an extraordinary talent for fixing anything, whether it was a broken appliance, a car problem, or even just helping someone in need - he was always the go-to person for repairs. His ability to make things work, no matter the challenge, was just one of the many ways he showed his love and care for others.
Benny was also an active coach for all of his children’s sports teams at St. Margaret Mary and St. Martin Hall schools, teaching them teamwork, discipline, and a love for the game. His dedication to his family was unparalleled. He cherished his wife, Elva and their children, Melissa, Gina, and Ben, always making them his top priority. Benny devoted his life to his wife Elva, whom he adored, and the family they created together. Known for his kindness, humor, and selflessness, Benny was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His love for Elva remained steadfast throughout their 60 years of marriage, and he passed away just five days after celebrating their milestone anniversary. He was a man of humility, integrity, and unwavering love - a true family man whose legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Lucy Gonzalez. Benito is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elva De Leon; daughters, Melissa Zamora (Alex), and Gina Velasquez (Doug); son, Ben De Leon (Laura); grandchildren, Sylvianne Misztal (Marcus), Zachary Zamora (Molly), Alexa Zamora (Anthony), Benicio, Lorenzo and Jesse De Leon, Aria and Alaina Trevino and Carina Jones. Great-grandchildren, Alex and Amelie Zamora and Yvette Misztal; sister Sylvia Herrera; brother Rafael De Leon and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to honor Benny’s life at a visitation on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East. A rosary will follow at 7:00 P.M. in the Porter Loring North Chapel.
Funeral Services will take place the following day, Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 20523 Huebner Road.
Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
A Reception will take place at the church after the family departs the cemetery.
