Leo Chade

Leo Chade lived an active life until age 94. As the youngest son of Edward and Alma Chade, Leo had three older siblings: Eleanor, Eva and George. He married the love of his life: Irma Odette Chade, affectionately known as “Nini” and was married for almost 60 years until Nini’s passing in 2016. Leo’s parents immigrated from Lebanon to Mexico, where Leo was born, then immigrated to Southern California. He could speak three languages: English, Spanish and some Arabic.

He leaves behind his children, Edward, Helen, Richard and Alma. Two daughters-in-law: Anthea and Dana, Son-in-law Ziad and six granddaughters: Micayla, Sarah (married to Josh) Dani, Rachel, Anabelle and Jillian.

We pray that Leo has joyfully reunited with granddaughter Hannah, in heaven, the youngest daughter of Eddie and Dana. Leo was best known for his charisma, his grit, can-do attitude, and his big heart for his family. A real estate broker for over 40 years, Leo enjoyed mentoring people in all walks of life with their real estate or investment questions.

Leo loved the outdoors and all sports. He played football, racquetball, surfed and boogie boarded. “As a teenager in the 1940’s the waves were so big, they’d go over the San Clemente pier,” Leo recalled. “We would dive off the end of the pier, body surf all the way in, then walk back and do it all over again.” Leo played football for Old Capo High School, Orange Coast College and was captain of the Army’s football team. He was offered a scholarship to play football at AZ State, but didn’t accept because his father was ill, and he needed to help run the family business. A newspaper article, written some decades ago, listed Leo as one of the three greatest all-time high school football players from South Orange County.

Well into his 80’s, Leo could be found every weekend boogie boarding at T-Street Beach in San Clemente accompanied by a group of friends, family and niece, Kathy. He was one of the last people to surf “Killer Dana” before the great surf spot became part of the Dana Point Harbor.

When his family spent the night, Leo would make his famous barbecue dinners, and breakfast pancakes that relatives from as far as Mexico fondly remember. As much as Leo loved business and real estate, as a young man, he had a private desire to become a surgeon or chiropractor. Although he ended up not pursuing the medical field, his passion for health and fitness was exemplified throughout his life.

Leo enjoyed working in his garden every chance he had. Roses, hydrangeas, flowers of every kind flourished in his garden. Every year, he’d bring cuttings from his fig trees to share with the members of St. Mark’s Church, where he and Nini had been members for many years. All animals, but especially horses, were loved by Leo. He owned a part-Arabian horse, when he was in his 20’s that only he could ride. As a resident of San Juan Capistrano for 84-years, Leo rode his horse in one of the first Swallows Day parades dressed as an Indian Chief.

Physical fitness was important to Leo. The standing joke in the family is that no one had more rock-solid abs than him! Part of the secret to Leo’s longevity and good health, were the legendary meals made by his adored wife, Nini. No matter how busy he was at work, he typically turned down business lunches, and instead chose to rush home to his wife’s homemade meals.

He served in the Korean war and is a lifetime member in the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Because he could type quickly, a skill most men didn’t have in those days, he was made a corporal after Army basic training and oversaw sensitive posts that were top secret. He enjoyed being able to tell Colonels and Generals what they could and couldn’t do in his office.

Being nurtured by Alma in his final years of life, Leo took the time to live life more slowly and bring out his softer, teddy bear side. He deepened his relationship with each child, grandchild, in-laws and multiple nieces and nephews.

Dad, Jitu, Uncle Leo, Mr. C, Abu Eddie, you are very much loved and will be sorely missed.