

Born in Natividad, Pangasinan, Philippines to Sylvester and Bienvenida de Leon, he had a medical career that spanned over 50 years. He acquired his medical degree from Far Eastern University. In the 1960s, he immigrated to the United States to complete his residency. In 1972, Dr. de Leon moved his young family to Modesto to join Dr. Grant Bare’s well-regarded medical practice. Three years later, he opened a joint practice with Dr. C. Cabacungan at McHenry Village. Eventually both started their own solo practices, with Dr. de Leon opening his on Coffee Road. He would work at this office for the next 42 years practicing family medicine.
Dr. de Leon had a deep sense of service and stewardship. He participated in his first medical mission in 1992, providing free healthcare to rural communities in the Philippines. Moved by this initial experience, he would dutifully attend the annual missions with his wife until his retirement in 2020. Dr. de Leon was highly active with both national and regional medical organizations such as Philippine Medical Society of Northern California and Association of Philippine Physicians in America, serving several terms as president. The California Medical Association awarded him the Frederick K.M. Plessner Memorial Award for embodying the ethics and practice of a rural country practitioner. He was involved within Modesto Rotary club where he focused on building community through Christian acts of service.
Even with his busy career, Dr. de Leon always put his family first. He enjoyed travelling the world with his wife, children, and core group of friends. He loved watching his grandchildren at their dance recitals and soccer games. Dr. de Leon and his beloved daughter, Nida Ann (mother to Olivia and Christian), have joined at the gates of heaven.
Dr. de Leon is survived by his loving wife, Clarita of Modesto, sons Clarence of Greenbrae, CA, Richard of Richardson, TX (wife-Heather, sons-Gabriel, Eli, Levi, and Ezekiel), and grandchildren Olivia and Christian of Modesto.
Visitation is available for both Dr. Recto de Leon and Nida Ann on July 26 and July 27 at Lakewood Funeral Home at 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA.
Mass and all other services will be private to family and close friends.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakewoodHughson.com for the de Leon family.
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