Leonardo "Leo" Ortega

Leonardo Ortega Ramirez was born on April 21, 1965, in Coyame, Chihuahua, Mexico, where he spent his early years. He passed away on April 16, 2026, just five days shy of his 61st birthday.

After his childhood in Mexico, Leonardo and his family migrated to Santa Ana, California. They also spent time living in Texas before eventually returning to California, where he continued to build a life centered around the people he loved most.

He will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Leonardo was a man who never seemed to need much, because to him, family was everything.

Even during difficult times, he carried an unwavering spirit, always believing brighter days were ahead. His brothers and sisters could depend on him for comfort, strength, and his ever-present smile.

Though he had no children of his own, he was a constant and loving presence in the lives of his nieces and nephews across three generations. Tío Leo was someone they could always count on. He brought people together, and if there was an opportunity to spend time with family, he was always a part of it. 

Tío Leo had a love for life that showed in everything he did. He would always share the beautiful scenic moments from his time driving on the road. On the playground, he was an exceptional basketball player, with moves reminiscent of Magic Johnson with his no-look passes and behind-the-back plays. He also enjoyed a wide range of music, from pop and hip-hop to reggae and Norteños, and his breakdancing skills were nothing short of legendary.

Tio Leo lived simply and never desired much in terms of material things although he had a pretty cool Volkswagon bug. He understood that the greatest wealth in life is the bond we share with one another, and he lived that truth every day. To those who knew him, he was a true example of selflessness, love, and most importantly devotion to family.

He was one of a kind and will be missed dearly.