Carlos A. de León passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 8, 2021. He is predeceased by his loving wife Sary de León and survived by his children, Leslie (wife, Janet), Carla (husband, Keith), and Marcel. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Alex, Tony, Natalie, Nicole, Emily, Francesca, and Henry, and his great-grandchildren, Jacob and Owen.
Carlos emigrated to the United States from Guatemala at the age of 19. He enrolled in San Francisco City College and later graduated from San Francisco State College in 1952. During his studies he met his wife, Sarita, whom he married in 1950. After completing his student teaching, Carlos moved with his family to Santa Clara. After teaching for a few years at Markham Junior High School in San Jose, he went on to teach Spanish and French at Willow Glen High School. While at WGHS, he sponsored both the Spanish and the French clubs and started the soccer program. He not only loved the sport, but he thoroughly enjoyed mentoring his students. Carlos was a dapper dresser who was known for his colorful socks and ties. Students frequently voted him “best dressed teacher of the year.”
Carlos and Sary loved to travel. As a teacher, Carlos took advantage of his summer vacations to take the family on camping trips as far north as Canada and as far south as Nicaragua. The de Leons spent a year in Spain (1963-64) while he took a sabbatical and studied for his Master’s Degree in Madrid. After retirement, Carlos and Sary travelled east to visit their daughter Carla and family, and explore the Eastern seaboard. The couple frequently vacationed in Miami to enjoy the company of their Sunshine State relatives. They journeyed to Europe several times—twice with their sons and families—to enjoy the Soccer World Cup. They took a cruise from China along the Asian coast and down to Australia and New Zealand. In their early 80s, they even ventured to Argentina and Chile.
As dedicated as he was to teaching and supporting his family, Carlos valued balance in his daily life. He enjoyed overcast days and evening breezes, the sound of birds in his backyard, and reading the newspaper over morning coffee. He loved to celebrate all occasions with a party, hosting family, friends, and neighbors at his home. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes. He was also quite the dancer and even learned to tango with Sarita in Argentina.
Carlos was so grateful for the opportunities afforded him in his adopted country. He always appreciated the love and support he received from his family and friends throughout his life.
We are very grateful for the frequent visits by Marina and Gina and her family, particularly this past year, as well as the loving care he received from his caregivers April, Maria Elena, and Griselda.
Mass and burial services will be held on March 9. This will be a private service due to the pandemic.
In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation to alz.org or sacredheartcs.org.
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