Leonardo Da Cruz Leal Filho of Dallas, Texas, known as Leo, passed away at the age of 37 on October 7, 2023.
Born on September 4, 1986, in Brazil, Leo was the cherished son of Leonardo Da Cruz Leal and Vera Lucia Bezzera Alves. He was a devout follower of the Catholic faith, finding solace and strength in his beliefs throughout his life's journey.
Leo was a man of remarkable ambition and intellect. He was employed at Blue Cross/Blue Shield, where he demonstrated dedication and diligence in his work. He was also actively pursuing his dreams and academic aspirations, working towards his master’s degree in industrial engineering and mathematics at Southern Methodist University. His pursuit of knowledge and excellence was truly inspiring.
Leo's educational journey was marked by outstanding achievements. He completed his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M Commerce, where he consistently excelled academically, earning a place on the Dean's List and graduating Magna Cum Laude. His commitment to his studies was a testament to his unwavering determination and dedication to his future.
Leozinho, Leleco, Zeca were also loving nicknames family and friends called him. He loved Marvel and DC comics and any sport, with Futebol being his absolute favorite above all. He loved researching and learning intricate details about all of what he was interested in and found happiness sharing that knowledge with the ones he loved. He learned to play the pandeiro, a little keyboard and guitar, and mastered the Rubik's cube. Leozinho loved to learn.
Leo's memory will be cherished by his grieving family. He is survived by his loving parents, Leonardo and Vera Leal of Dallas, Texas; sister, Livia Patrick, and her husband, Joseph, of McKinney, Texas; nieces, Lillian Patrick and Joanna Patrick.
A graveside service to honor and remember Leo's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 13, 2023, at Ridgeview Memorial Park, located at 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and offer their condolences during a visitation on Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home.