Leonardo "Nayo" Saenz

Leonardo G. Saenz, known as “Nayo” and “Uncle Lenny,” was born on March 27 1934 to Juan and Refugia Saenz in Brownsville TX. He was the 11th and last sibling of the Saenz family. As a young boy, he earned his pocket money through shining shoes and selling fruit and newspapers in downtown Brownsville, TX. During his high school years, he wanted to support his country. At the young age of 17, he bravely enlisted into the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Greece and Italy in 1953.

After his military service, he completed his studies and received his GED diploma. He met and married Elena Robles Saenz of Mexico City, and together raised 5 beautiful daughters and later welcomed 10 grandchildren and 4 great grand grandchildren.

He worked for Brownsville Flooring as an expert flooring and interior design installer for 10 years. He later had the opportunity to join Texaco Oil Company as a mechanic for 25 years until he retired.

During his younger days Nayo caddied for Golf players at the Resaca Country Club. He later taught himself how to play the game and even amassed a few winning trophies. Nayo was also musically talented. He could pick up almost any instrument and learn how to play it, by hearing the musical notes of a song. He loved to play his keyboard and still remembered his songs. His greatest passion was fishing. He often went on fishing trips with his wife and daughters on his “famous” boats. Sometimes these fishing trips included his nephews or his brother Homer. There was never a dull moment if those two brothers went fishing together! Oh, the comical boat and fishing stories! He also enjoyed hunting in South TX during the Dove season with his girls.

Anyone who knew Nayo found that he was a caring father and a loving husband that work very hard to maintain his family. Nayo was predeceased by his parents Juan and Refugia, his brothers Juan, Manuel (Nellie), Mike, Cipriano (Pano), and Homer, his sisters Refugia (Cuca), Maria, Aurora, Margarita (Magee), and Delia, his daughter Rosalinda Saenz Soto, and grandson Petie Serrata.

He is survived by his wife Elena Robles Saenz, daughters Mary Ellen Tamayo, husband “Javier David”, Son-in-law Roy Soto, Diana Saenz, Maria Christina Cannady, husband “Leslie” and Marina Celeste Saenz. 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Rosery Services will be held at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home at 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218 on Sunday, December 26th, from 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Catholic mass services will be held on Monday, December 27th at Saint Helena Catholic Church at 14714 Edgemont San Antonio, TX 78247, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. We will proceed to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78209 for his honored military ceremony and final rest. The Saenz family will have a Celebration of Life reception following the military committal at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home.