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Ernesto T. Leal passed away after an eight-year battle against Alzheimer’s disease on September 4, 2018, at the age of 91. Ernesto was born November 13, 1926, to Agapito Leal and Manuela Treviño Leal, in Weslaco, Texas. He married Irma Castillo of Elsa, Texas, on April 24, 1949. He is preceded in death by his parents and sons, Ernesto Jr. and Richard, who died as an infant, and his brothers John, Eliberto, and Eleazar Leal. He is survived by Irma, his wife of 69 years; his children, Cynthia (David) Massey, of Helotes; Johnnie (Laura) Leal, Denise (David) Holgado, and Ricky (Diana) Leal, all of San Antonio, and daughter-in-law Linda Browning Leal, of Charleston, Illinois: nine grandchildren: Ernesto Leal III, Leah (Jim) Lanman, LTJG Michael Massey, U.S. Navy; LTJG Meghan Massey, U.S. Navy; Zachary (Erica) Leal and Abigail Leal, Marissa Leal, Samuel and Angel Grace Holgado, and five great-grandchildren: Nick, Ross, Ella, and Emily Lanman, and Declan Leal; sisters Cristela Silva, Mary Leal, and Beatriz Rodriguez, all of Weslaco, and brothers Frank Hernandez, of League City, Texas, and George Hernandez of Fort Worth. A Vietnam veteran, Ernesto was in the U.S. Army from 1945-47, serving as a PFC in Company A, 501st Infantry, Parachute Battalion, and the Army Reserves from 1950-51. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951, where he served until his retirement as a Staff Sergeant in 1969. His military service took him all over the world: Seoul, Korea; Casablanca, Morocco; Yokohama and Yokota, Japan; Saigon, Vietnam; and stateside in Fort Benning, Georgia; Pratt, Kansas; Topeka, Kansas; Burns Flat, Oklahoma; and San Antonio, Texas. Ernesto received the Victory Medal WWII, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, Army of Occupation Medal w/WWII Japan clasp, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 star, AF Longevity Medal, Small Arms Expert Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Medal with Device. Ernesto settled in San Antonio in 1955 with his family. After his military service, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service from 1970-89—he had also worked for the post office in Chicago from 1947-49. In 1987, he received a service award for 35 years of government service. After his retirement in 1989, Ernesto got more involved at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, where he was a longtime member. In 1999, he became a Catholic Deacon. Ernesto was humbled by his selection and service as a deacon and considered it, along with his military service, a highlight of his life. Ernesto was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, a devoted husband and beloved father. He leaves a legacy of love. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21. The family would like to acknowledge with gratitude Ernesto’s many caregivers over the years, and the support from Vitas Hospice and the VA, neighbors, friends, and extended family. Visitation will begin on Sunday, September 16, at 5:00 p.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Tribute at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Funeral procession to depart the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. for a funeral mass at St. Lawrence Catholic Church at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, September 17, 2018. Interment to follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

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Ernesto T. Leal

November 13, 1926 - September 4, 2018