Leonard Larry Skwat

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Leonard Larry Skwat, who departed this life on May 27, 2025 at UC San Diego Medical Center - Hillcrest. Born on July 14, 1952 in Chicago, IL to Leonard Stanley Skwat from Minersville, PA and Mary Lou Olin of Chicago, IL; Leonard was raised in Berwyn, IL. Leonard attended Saint Leonard’s Catholic School for his primary school years and graduated from Morton West High School in 1970. After high school, he followed his father into the trades as a union plumber and ended his career as a Journeyman Pipefitter with the UA Local 230. Leonard worked on large scale construction projects including the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant in San Clemente, CA and, most recently, a project at Diablo Canyon Power Plant in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Leonard met his wife, Maxine while in high school through a mutual friend. They married in 1971 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Riverside, IL. Leonard and Maxine enjoyed a honeymoon in London, England. Together they had two daughters and a son: Suzanne M. (first born), Christina Barbara Skwat (1978), and Max Leonard Skwat (1984).

While working full-time, Leonard had a vision to provide a legacy for his family. He became a real estate investor and at his peak owned five residential properties in (1) Lyons, IL, (2) Riverside, IL, (3) La Jolla, CA, (4) Lakeside, CA; and (5) Ocean Beach, CA. Every property he owned he put his blood and sweat into, thinking of his family, knowing that he was doing everything he could to leave his family with resources after his time had passed. With a turn in the economy in the late 80s, his real estate empire was financially strained along with his relationship with his then wife, Maxine. They separated in 1992 and Leonard was devastated. However, he pushed forward and received his Associates of Arts in Selected Studies from Mesa Community College in 1996. He was able to acquire a home in Clairemont, CA in 2000 and sold that to upgrade to his latest home in University City, CA in 2002. He always wanted to stay close to his children that remained in San Diego County.

Leonard cherished what he was given in life. He was one of the hardest working people you’d ever meet. He was always thinking about solving either his own problems or lending advice on any issues his loved ones had. He made the most of every situation. In hard times, he provided comic relief to lighten the mood. He loved having personal jokes and quotes with his family. He could always tell a good joke. Leonard enjoyed spending time with his family, taking his boat out on Mission Bay or Lake Michigan while living in Chicago (even if it meant that you may get stranded), walking along the beach of La Jolla Shores or Pacific Beach, and traveling. He loved taking his family down to San Felipe, Mexico; making frequent trips to Tijuana; and more recently, going on adventures with his girlfriend, Tsetska Spasova, to the Grand Canyon, Greece, and Bulgaria.

Leonard is survived by his siblings: Jerry Skwat and Pamela Skwat; children: Suzanne (Anthony) Mudd, Christina (Brandon) Gregory, and Max Skwat; and grandchild: Anthony Mudd. Leonard is preceded in death by his parents: Mary Lou Skwat (1999), Leonard S. Skwat (2019), sister Linda L. Barkley (2008), and brother Joseph B. Skwat (2018).

Leonard had his ups and downs as all have in life, but he lived his life to the fullest, enjoying and cherishing every second that he was given. He leaves behind a legacy of three wonderful children, a terrific grandchild, and numerous friends that all made him proud. To be certain, he’s looking down on what he left on earth with a smile as big as his personality.

His Favorite Phrases

Learn from the best and forget the rest

Every Day’s A Saturday

God Speed

His Favorite Movie/TV Quotes

And that’s all I need…

Cinderella story…

It’s Father’s Day and I want my cake.

I’m the Purple Pieman from Porcupine Peak

Vigil Service

Visitation Services will be at Pacific Beach Chapel located at 4710 Cass St in Pacific Beach, CA on June 29th from 1 PM to 5 PM. We invite all that know and love Leonard to celebrate his life and share personal memories.

Funeral Mass

Funeral Services will be at Saint Brigid Parish located at 4735 Cass St in Pacific Beach, CA. The Funeral Mass will start promptly at 11:00 AM on June 30th preceded by a rosary in honor of Leonard at 10:30 AM.

A procession from Saint Brigid Parish to the Holy Cross Cemetery will leave promptly following the Funeral Mass.

Rite of Committal

Burial Services will be at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery located at 4470 Hilltop Drive in San Diego, CA. The Interment Service will start promptly at 1:00 PM on June 30th.