Paul Maravilla Leano, M.D.

Dr. Leano left the Philippines in 1967 to immigrate to California to build a better future for his family while they waited to reunite with him three years later in New York. He was Medical Director of Emergency Medicine at Bethpage Hospital and staff psychiatrist at Pilgrim Psychiatric Center in New York. He and his family moved from Long Island, New York to Tallahassee, Florida in 1980, where he became Medical Director of the forensic unit at Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee. Additionally, he found time and volunteered his services at the Bond Clinic in Tallahassee. He later became chief health officer at Apalachee Correctional Institute in Sneads and held that position until he retired. He was sought out to continue those duties and agreed to a part-time role. He was truly dedicated to his profession and finally decided to retire at age 90.

He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. He lived a life with God, his wife, and family always as his center focus. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Cresita Leano, and his children, Jo Ann Leano-Hunter and her husband, Ervin Hunter; Louisa Dowling and her husband, Jerry Dowling; Don Leano; and Julie Nicholson. He was also a cherished grandfather to grandchildren: Don Leano, Brandi Leano; Kirsten Dowling and her husband, Michael Wilinski; Brandon Hunter; Brooke Hunter; Paige Nicholson; Christian Nicholson. He also has a great-grandchild, Savannah Leano, with another great-grandchild, Leana Wilinski, who is due to be born in November.

We miss him dearly. Someday we will all reunite with him in the presence of our Lord.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 4665 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, Florida with reception to follow.