Ramon C. de Leon, Sr. peacefully passed on July 3, 2026, at the age of 93. He was born in Naga City, Philippines, on August 15, 1932. He retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service. He served on both surface warships and submarines, as well as one tour of duty “in country” in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He met the love of his life, Estela, in Philadelphia, PA, and married her in 1960. Over almost 50 years of marriage, they expanded their family with four children, four grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.
Following his service in the Navy, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service as an electronic technician maintaining and repairing mail processing equipment. He worked until his children graduated from college and started their careers.
Ramon was a member of the Filipino American Veterans of Tidewater, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, and many bowling leagues across the Tidewater area, including the Retired Military Bowling Classic League. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his family, playing chess, rummy, and billiards, as well as watching boxing, bowling, and basketball.
Ramon is predeceased by his wife, Estela, a registered nurse, and his nine siblings. He is survived by his and Estela’s children: Alice and her husband, Patrick; Ramon Jr. and his wife, Marilu; Herman and his wife, Ramona; and Xenia. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Justin, Zachary, Jessica and her husband, Reed, and Tyler; his great‑granddaughter, Evelyn; along with many family members and friends across the United States and the Philippines.
Visitation will be Friday, July 10th, noon - 2 pm, followed by a Catholic service with military honors at 2 pm. Ramon will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife in the Chapel of Serenity mausoleum at Rosewood Memorial Park, 631 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
