Hector L de Leon

June 17, 1955 – September 22, 2026

Hector De Leon, 71, passed away on September 22, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on June 17, 1955, Hector lived a life filled with family, faith, friendship, laughter, and a personality that was uniquely his own.

Hector and his wife, Raquel De Leon, were just two days shy of celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary. Together, they built a family and shared more than four decades of life side by side. Among their favorite times together were evenings spent dancing the night away.

Hector was the father of Pablo (Julissa) Bazaldua and Patricia De Leon, and the proud grandfather of Emily Bazaldua, Alyssa Bazaldua, Amanda Bazaldua, and Kataleya Rodriguez. He took great pride in being a grandpa, and his grandchildren held a very special place in his heart. Hector is also survived by his sisters, Norma Saldaña, Elda Taylor, and Leonor De Leon, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ramona Rodriguez De Leon and Pedro De Leon, and his brothers, Pedro De Leon Jr. and Ruben De Leon.

Known affectionately as “Estrella,” Hector enjoyed keeping life interesting, especially in his younger years. He loved hunting, fishing, poker, billiards, softball, and trying his luck, whether it was a game with friends or a scratch-off ticket.

A lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, Hector enjoyed watching his team and settling in with his favorite Westerns. When he was comfortable and relaxed, he would simply say, “I’m in Heaven.” It was a phrase his family came to know well and one that was unmistakably Hector.

Hector was also a proud former altar boy, reflecting the faith that was part of his life from an early age.

Hector leaves behind much more than a list of accomplishments or interests. He leaves behind a family who knew his humor, his stubbornness, his quiet moments, his love of a good game, and all the different sides of the man they knew as Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, and Estrella.

His story will live on in the stories his family tells, the traditions they carry forward, and the memories that will continue to bring both tears and laughter.

Rest easy, Estrella.

May Heaven have a dance floor, a Cowboys game, a good Western, and a lucky scratch-off waiting for you.

Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521, US, on September 28, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a rosary from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.