Claudio Lindi Leal

Claudio Lindi Leal was born on June 17, 1937 to Lorenzo and Braulia Leal in the small town of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, in the Philippines. Losing his father at an early age, Claudio, his mother, and his four sisters worked hard to support their family. While in grade school, he met Elisa Zamora Laplana, who would one day become his wife. He graduated from St. Augustine School in 1956. Then, he moved to the capital city of Manila to study Navigation.

In search of a better life and means to help his family, Claudio enlisted in the United States Navy in September of 1960. Four years later, he married the love of his life. Claudio and Elisa were married, October 28, 1964. In 1968, their first child, Norman, was born. Shortly after Norman was born, Claudio received orders to be stationed in the United States. The small family of three packed up and moved to Corpus Christi, Texas. While stationed in Texas, their second child, Roland, was born in 1969. Claudio was also stationed in Rhode Island before finally coming to California in 1970. Their third child, Brenda, was born in 1971 while stationed in Northern California. In 1974, the Navy brought the family of five to San Diego. They decided to settle in San Diego and continue raising their family.

Claudio retired from the Navy on July 31, 1982. After a few years, he went back to work doing what he knew and loved, cooking. After many years, Claudio decided to retire in early 2005. He enjoyed going on family road trips, cooking feasts for the holidays, spending the day at the horse races, and watching sports, especially boxing. Claudio was a do-it-yourselfer, he could "fix" just about anything.

In late 2005, Claudio began treatment for renal failure. For more than 10 years, he lived with this condition, fighting every step of the way. Claudio passed away on Friday, April 22, 2016 with his family by his side. He was 78 years old.

Claudio is survived by his wife, three children, four grandchildren, and four sisters.