Feliciano De Leon

September 6, 1930 - January 25, 2021

Feliciano De Leon, 90, passed away on Jan.25, 2021 at his home surrounded by his caring family in Fresno, California. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Maria C. De Leon, and nine children: Feliciano, Grace, Enrique, Maria, Carmen, Fermin, Guadalupe, Sara, and Rosa. He has two surviving brothers, Ramon and Raul, and many nieces and nephews.

Born to Fermin De Leon and Altagracia Garcia on Sept.6, 1930 in Rosenberg, Texas, Feliciano left the United States and moved to Guadalajara, Mexico after the passing of his sister. He then returned to Texas and it was there he met Maria and the two wed in 1950. Soon after that the couple decided to move to California and live in Fresno. To this day, both Feliciano and Maria share 31 grandchildren, 71 great grandchildren, and 14 great-great grandchildren. The list of family members will forever continue to grow and it is thanks to both Feliciano and Maria.

Feliciano was a retired carpenter, which meant he greatly enjoyed the outdoors and loved working with his hands. Regardless of age, Feliciano had the mental and physical strength of 100 men. He could do anything he put his mind to. Whether the roof needed to be fixed or yard work needed to be done around the house, Feliciano was the man for the job -- especially if you wanted the job done right. He was also a very talented musician who loved to play his acoustic guitar and sing beautiful songs to his grandchildren. Feliciano always loved to be around his very large family, as barbecues and birthdays were an absolute treat for him.

As a devout Catholic, Feliciano was very active within the religious community and attended St. Mary Queen of Apostles Catholic Church in Fresno. Feliciano was incredibly dedicated to the Catholic Church and served as an honorable member of the Guadalupano society for over 25 years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and served that organization for over 30 years. Those who attended church services and events always saw Feliciano there with a big smile on his face. He played his guitar for the church band and was always willing to lend a hand whenever the church needed him. Whether it was a church luau or annual carnival, Feliciano was there dancing the night away with Maria or bartending. He enjoyed that job particularly and volunteered for that position every single year. Feliciano loved church, and regardless of rain, shine or illness, he went every Sunday.

We will forever love and miss our father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a great man with a very big heart. His impact on our lives will forever be great, and his love for everyone will never go unnoticed. His family will always have his memory in our hearts, minds and souls, and we will never forget him for as long as we live. Rest in peace, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa. We love you and we will miss you being in our lives. And although you are not here with us physically, we all know you are with us in spirit. Until we see you again, love you forever.