Rafael Avila Leon

Services will be in Santa Cruz on Sunday and Monday for Rafael Avila Leon who died peacefully at his Santa Cruz home on September 30, 2012 following a brave battle that he fought against cancer. He was 61 years old. Mr. Leon was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and moved to Santa Cruz in 1971. He was employed as a fleet maintenance technician with Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit Department for 15 years. He was devoted to his Catholic faith, and enjoyed regularly attending mass. His family will forever remember his generosity and his love for them. An avid Los Angeles Dodger fan, he was a practical joker at heart, and his sense of humor did not waiver during his illness. Mr. Leon cherished the times spent with his brothers playing dominoes, cards, and watching soccer games. He is survived by his sons, Rafael Leon Jr. of Santa Cruz, and Alex Leon of Scotts Valley; his daughters: Christina Leon of Santa Cruz, and Lillian Siqueiros and Jessica Leon both of Newark, California. He also leaves his brothers; Pedro Leon of Woodland, CA , Antonio Leon of Mexico, Ical Leon of Santa Cruz, Francisco Leon of Santa Cruz, Arturo Leon of Mexico, Rodolfo Leon and Geraldo Leon both of Santa Cruz; eleven loving grandchildren, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Friends may pay their respects at a viewing on Sunday, October 7 at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 6 p.m. The Mass of the Resurrection will be on Monday, October 8, beginning at 10 a.m. at our Lady Star of the Sea Church (515 Frederick Street) in Santa Cruz. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.