Leon David Zera

Maj Leon D. Zera, USAF (Ret.), age 63, went peacefully to meet the Lord on Thursday, October 14th, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born in Syracuse, New York, on April 16, 1958. Leon graduated from Henninger High School in 1976. He met his future wife Wendy at Wegmans supermarket during college years. Leon earned an A.A. degree in General Studies from Onondaga Community College in 1979, served as President of student body governing body (Onondaga Student Services Association) 1977-78 and served as a Student Trustee on the OCC Board of Directors 1978-79. Leon and Wendy were married in 1980 at Assumption Church in Syracuse, NY. His first enlisted military assignment was at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE, where he served in the Consolidated Base Personnel Office. During ROTC, Leon earned a B.S. in Business Administration from University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1985 and a M.S. degree in Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1987. Leon became commissioned in the USAF in 1988 and his first officer assignment was at Edwards AFB, CA. He retired from the military at Lackland Air Force Base San Antonio in 2004. Throughout his 24-year career in the Air Force, Leon was a highly decorated military officer and Desert Storm veteran. After his military service, he worked as a civil servant for 11 years in Personnel at Randolph AFB where he managed both the AFPCs Squadron Commander Course and the AFPCs Webcast Program. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council 9967 in San Antonio where he served the community anywhere needed. He is described by his family as selfless, both loving and lovable, noble, gentle, charming, entertaining, kind, and endearing. Leons smile always lit up a room and he was a friend to all. Throughout his life, he was a father figure to many. Leon considered his greatest life's achievements to be fatherhood to his two beautiful daughters, Rachel and Darlene, doting grandfather to Elliot, and husband to treasured wife Wendy. Leon, endowed with a servant's heart, will be remembered most for his service to family, friends, and co-workers.

Predeceased by his mother Norma J. Zera, father Leon F. Zera, and brother Norman Zera. Also predeceased by his grandmother Katherine Pullano who helped raise him.

Survived by wife of 41 years Wendy Zera; daughters, Rachel (Russell) Northrup and Darlene Zera, and granddaughter Elliot Urrutia. Survived by siblings Helena (Dr. Glenn) Axelrod of Jamesville, NY, Daniel Zera of Syracuse, NY, Valenti (Melanie) Zera of Raleigh, NC, Samantha (Diane) Zera of Warners, NY, and Timothy (Monique) Zera of Colorado Springs, CO. Survived by nieces and nephews: Jordan Axelrod, Jacob Axelrod, Joshua Axelrod, Danny Zera Jr., Nathaniel (Emily) Zera, Mackenzie Zera, and Leah Zera. And many more nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive visitors from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday November 14th at Porter Loring Mortuary North followed immediately by a prayer service. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 15th, 2021 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Stone Oak. Interment will be at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter-St. Joseph Childrens Home (known as St PJs), San Antonio, TX which provides food, clothing, and safe shelter to children in crisis.