Leonardo Reyes Mata

Leonardo Reyes Mata

October 10, 1931 – February 19, 2020

Leonardo was born in Cavite City, Philippines to Nicolas Mata and Brigida Reyes.  At 23 years old he joined the United States Navy in 1955.  Along with his wife Rosario, Leonardo was stationed in Yokohama, Japan for three years, where his son Carlo and daughter Clarissa were born.  While working his way up through the military ranks, Leonardo and his family lived in Fallon, Nevada and Charleston, South Carolina, eventually settling in San Diego in 1970.  During his military career he was decorated with the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After leaving active duty in 1974 as a Chief Petty Officer, Leonardo started his civil service career in purchasing and eventually retired as a Supervisory Supply Technician in 1994.  Over the years, he enjoyed camping and road trips with his family and close friends and engaging with the local Filipino-American community.  With his wife by his side, Leonardo enjoyed traveling by air and by sea to many countries around the world.  He was a parishioner of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, active member of the Good Shepherd Peace and Harmony Choir and with the Filipino-American Association of San Diego-North County Organization.  He enjoyed listening and dancing to music, with a particular fondness for 1960s oldies.

His presence lives on through his family:  wife of 58 years, Rosario; son Carlo (Rowena); daughter Clarissa Berger (Gunter); and five grandchildren Gian, Chantal, Jarett, Christian and Rianna, who will miss him greatly.  He lived a wonderful life.

The viewing will be held on Monday, March 2, 2020 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Good Shepherd Parish Hall (8200 Gold Coast Drive, San Diego, California 92126).  The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 10:00 am at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (8200 Gold Coast Drive, San Diego, California 92126) with interment to immediately follow at Miramar National Cemetery (5795 Nobel Drive, California 92122).

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