Leonardo Calderon Jr.

Leonardo Calderon, Jr., 87, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

Leo was born in El Paso, TX on February 23, 1935. Leo attended Cathedral High School then left to serve his country proudly in the United States Air Force and then later the United States Army. Leo married the love of his life, Socorro, in 1955.

Leo served for ten years in the United States Air Force before enlisting in the United States Army to serve the remainder of his military career. During his service, Leo served two combat tours in the Korean Conflict as well as two combat tours during the Vietnam War. He served for 21 years by the time he retired from the Army. During his military career, he was a translator for the Kennedy Administration during the Cuban Missile Crisis when he was stationed at Ft. Meade, Maryland.

After Leo retired from the US Army, he worked various civil service positions before becoming Director at the TV Branch at Ft. Bliss, Texas. While working at the TV Branch, Leo was called to work on a personal matter for General Omar Bradley, who was residing at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. This opportunity to work for General Bradley resulted in a friendship between the two which lasted until the General’s death. Upon retiring from civil service, Leo joined many civic organizations, including the Lions Club, where he once served as President.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents, Leonardo Sr. and Patrocinio, and siblings Elena Chavez, Teresa, Miguel, Fernando, and Armando Calderon. He is survived by his wife of 68 years Socorro, daughter Patricia Wood (Glenn), and sons Leonardo III (Ana), and Arturo (Maria), as well as sister Rosa Tarin and brother Humberto Calderon. He also leaves behind six grandchildren David Zapanta, Lisa Malone (Steven), Erica Zapanta (Kris), Alex Calderon, Matthew Calderon (Melinda), and Mayah Calderon, as well as four great-grandchildren Desiree Arrieta, Devon Soto, Kiley, and Kyra Zapanta.

Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with a Rosary at 6:00pm on Monday, February 06, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Drive.  Funeral Mass will begin at 9:30am on Tuesday, February 07, 2023 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 9025 Diana Drive.  Committal Service to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors (East Shelter).

Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast.  Please visit his online memorial at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.