Raymond De Leon

Although he was taken from his loved ones too soon, Raymond De Leon made such a positive impact in the lives of so many. He loved the great outdoors and has been called an adventurer, but perhaps he would have argued that his favorite place to be was surrounded by his loved ones. Deeply devoted to his family, Raymond made spending time with his family a priority and always made every gathering so much fun. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

It seems only fitting that Raymond’s journey began during a time that was as vibrant as he was. It was the 1950s when televisions were bringing us glimpses into family life with shows like I Love Lucy and Father Knows Best. Elvis Presley transformed the world of music with the sounds of rock n’ roll, and by the end of the decade we had welcomed Alaska and Hawaii as our 49th and 50th states. It was as the heat of the summer held the city of San Antonio, Texas, firmly in its grip that Juan Sr. and Eloisa (Velasquez) De Leon were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. Their wait was finally over on July 21st when the baby boy they named Ramon made his arrival. The 11th of 12 children, he was joined in his family by his siblings, Manuela, Francisco, Margarita, Juan Jr., Susana, Teresa, Rafael, Rojelio, Alejo, David, and Antonio. Ramon’s Mexican heritage and culture ran deep in his family.

Right from the start Ramon lived fully in the moments he was given. While growing up he became Raymond, and the name stuck. In 1955, their family moved from Texas to Milwaukee. Ramon’s father worked for Victory Steel while his mother was a laborer migrant worker. As a young boy Raymond contracted tuberculosis from his father, and at the time he and brother, David, were quarantined for about a year. It was difficult for Raymond and his family both to be separated, but that separation formed a close bond with his family that remained throughout his life. Because Raymond was just 11 months older than Antonio, they became very close while growing up. For eleven months they were the same age, but for one month Ray could call Tony his “Baby Brother,” and he would let everyone know, just to kid with Tony.

Growing up on the East Side of Milwaukee meant that there was always so much to do. They enjoyed family swim night at the Boys Club, playing basketball, ice skating at Cass Street School playground, and bike riding. Raymond’s favorite activity was going to the Free Toy Loan and getting toys to use on loan for the day including, scooters, games, and more. As a teen Ray continued with sports, playing hoops on the playground, with his brothers, and the neighborhood guys. He enjoyed playing soccer for the Old St. Mary’s Soccer Team. There also continued to be a draw to the Cass Street Grade School Social Center where Raymond went to play pool, basketball, and listen to the jukebox. Ray was anxiously awaiting his turn to learn to drive and developed an interest in muscle cars. During this time Ray also worked helping others for the Neighborhood Youth Corp. Someone who worked hard, he had recently retired from the City of Milwaukee after 24 years of dedicated service.

There was never anything of greater importance to Raymond than his loved ones. He treasured the relationships he had with all of his nieces and nephews, and he regularly showered them with his love. Ray was a constant presence in their lives and took great care in following all their activities. For the last five years of his life there was also a special boy named C.W., or Little Dude, as Ray called him, that he took under his wing. Because his family was so important to him, he made sure he was there for all the family gatherings, weddings, and holiday celebrations whether in Milwaukee or back in Texas.

Throughout his life Raymond was a man of many interests. He was an outdoorsman who loved both fishing and camping. Ray also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, going to the stock car races, going to antique car shows, and traveling to Sturgis and South Dakota for the Harley rally. Wrestling matches and boxing were favorites as well. Ray was a sports fan who supported all of his local teams like the Brewers, Packers and Badgers. He liked rock music, heavy metal, and R&B music. Ray liked action movies and both the History Channel and Turner Classic Movie Channel.

Genuine, giving, and fun are just a few of the words that describe Raymond De Leon. He was a true family man who treasured his loved ones and was accepting of everyone. Positive and happy-go-lucky, Ray never let life get the best of him. He worked hard, but he played hard, too, and his zest for life was contagious to all who were near. Dearly loved, Raymond will be forever missed.

Raymond De Leon, December 31, 2018. Age 65 years. Loving brother of Manuela Regalado, Francisco, the late Margarita, Juan Jr. Susana (Victor) Blomstrom, Teresa (Raul) Garcia, the late Rafael “Ralph” (Patricia), the late Rogelio “Joe”, the late Alejo “ Alex” (Lenore Rosas), the late David and Antonio (Laurie) De Leon. Adoring godfather of Sara Garcia. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation Monday, January 7, 2019, at the Niemann Suminski LifeStory Funeral Home 2486 S. Kinnickinnic Ave Milwaukee, WI 53207 from 4:00 p.m. until time of the Funeral Service at 7:00 p.m. Family and friends will gather Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at the Funeral Home from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. before processing to GoodHopeCemetery.

Share a memory or sign the guestbook at www.SuminskiFuneralHome.com