Leo B. Ordonez

Leo Ordonez, 70, a long-time resident of Las Vegas, passed away on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at the Solari Hospice Care Center surrounded by his loving family after a bravely fought battle against cancer. Nicknamed "Ponding" (poon-ding), Leo, the youngest of nine brothers and sisters, was born on May 10, 1942 just north of Manila in the small village of San Pablo, San Estaban, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. After earning his first undergraduate degree at Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines, Leo immigrated to the United States in 1966, where he continued his life-long love of learning at Maui Community College, earning a second undergraduate degree in Hotel Administration. With his formal education complete, Leo began his long career in finance -- first as a night auditor at the Sheraton Hotel, Maui, then as a controller at multiple hotel corporations, including Hilton Hotels and Omni Hotels International, and then finally culminating his career as Vice President/Controller of H & R Block, Las Vegas. Gaining recognition for his tireless work ethic, leadership, and professionalism over the years, Leo earned many awards and honors, including Employee of the Year. Although Leo worked hard, he never forgot about friends and family. He found his soul mate and devoted wife at the age of 39, when he married Carlota Hernandez of Quezon City, Philippines. A devoted and protective husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother, Leo had a great sense of humor, and was always the life of the party. His family fondly remembers him as a comedian and peace-keeper, who always made everyone laugh. When he wasn't spending time with family and friends, Leo enjoyed gardening, bowling, reading, and an occasional stop at the Palace Station to try his luck at the penny slots. Leo is survived by his wife, Carlota Ordonez; his daughter, Kimberlee Lorenz; his grandson, Sebastian Lorenz; his sister, Cosmedin Tasani; and his brother, Loreto Ordonez, Sr., as well as many other nieces, nephews, and cousins, who all brought great joy to him during his later years. To honor Leo's patriotism and philanthropy, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) to help injured service members. Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.