Jose S. Leal

Weslaco, TX – Jose S. Leal, 86, returned to his heavenly home to be with the Lord, Sunday, January 24, 2021, after a valiant battle with a long illness. His love and dedication for his family was admirable. Mr. Leal was born March 29, 1934, to Rafael & Sofia Leal in Weslaco, TX. As a young man, he apprenticed as a printer, alongside of his father at Weslaco News. After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Marines and was part of the Marine Corp. football team based out of Barlow. He was extremely athletic as an avid gymnast tumbler in which he competed and earned many awards. He later attended and graduated from the University of Pan American, earning his master’s degree in education. He met and married his lifelong partner, Josefa Leal. The devoted couple raised their four children and supported them all with a college education. He was a print shop teacher for many years at Weslaco High School, as well as a successful businessman. He, along with his wife, opened a printing business in Weslaco, Leal’s Printing, which served the Mid-Valley community for 30 years. He is remembered for providing stationary products for many special life events, including wedding and party invitations, program brochures, business cards, award ribbons, etc. KRGV Radio selected him as Citizen of the Month, which he earned for his strong work ethics. Many recall Mr. Leal during his umpiring days with little league baseball. He was a devoted parishioner of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Weslaco, and an officer and member of the Catholic War Veterans for 40 years. The Leal family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude towards George and Nancy Vela, who cared for him throughout his years. Mr. Leal is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Josefa G. Leal; & 1 brother, Rafael Leal, Jr. Mr. Leal is survived by 1 son, Rafael G. Leal (Irene) of Weslaco, TX; 3 daughters, Nancy L. Vela (George) of Weslaco, TX, Sofia L. McGrath (Tim) of Montgomery, TX, Sylvia L. Cardenas (Armando) of Weslaco, TX; 5 brothers, Noel G. Leal of McAllen, TX, Roberto G. Leal of Pharr, TX, Hector G. Leal of New Braunfels, TX, Abel G. Leal, Raul Leal, both of San Juan, TX; & 1 sister, Reyna L. Cuellar of Pharr, TX. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren & 16 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2021 with a 6:00 p.m. rosary at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of The Heavens. Chapel service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of The Heavens. Celebrant will be Rev. Francisco Solis. Entombment will follow at Highland Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Bobby McGrath, Michael McGrath, Roey Cardenas, Aaron Cardenas, Joey Leal & Justin Leal. Honorary pallbearers will be Marco Leal, Timothy McGrath & Simon McGrath. Military auspices will be under the direction of Sgt. Benito Alaniz VFW Post 7473 of Elsa, TX. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

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