Juan A. "John" Leon

Juan A. Leon, 82, of Davenport, Florida went to be with the Lord on May 24, 2026. He was born on February 29, 1944, in Ponce, Puerto Rico to Juan Bautista Leon and Felicita Diaz.

In 1953, John immigrated with his family from Puerto Rico to New York , where the family of 12 lived together in a two-bedroom apartment in East Harlem. John cherished the memories of those early years and often reflected fondly on the love, closeness, and strength of his beloved family during that special time in his life.

As a parishioner of St. Lucy's church during his teenage years and early adulthood, John became a big brother to many younger parishioners, offering guidance, friendship, and support. He was also a proud big brother within his own family, helping care for his siblings.

John was a devoted husband and father whose greatest joy came from spending time with his daughters and grandchildren. Family was always at the center of his life, and he treasured every moment shared with those he loved most. He had a deep appreciation for music — especially salsa, classical music, and opera — as well as history, subjects he loved to study and discuss with others. The king of dad jokes, he loved making those around him laugh and brought warmth and humor wherever he went.

John was known for his generous heart, friendly personality, and calm spirit. He was a caring family man, loyal friend, and good neighbor who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Through his volunteer work with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, he found great fulfillment in serving and supporting his community. John was also a source of encouragement to many, often motivating others and guiding them with kindness, wisdom, and compassion.

John worked as a manager at various NYC supermarkets for more than 40 years, retiring in 2003. Shortly after his retirement, John and Carmen moved to Davenport Florida in 2004 from The Bronx. He later became a parishioner of St. Ann Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan Bautista Leon and Felicita Diaz; his siblings, Iris and her husband Carlos, Miriam, Angela and her husband Joe, and Amalia and her husband Aldo; his niece, Blanca; his nephews Aldo Roberto and Joseph; and his son-in-law, Ramon Gomez.

John leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Carmen, his daughters, Diana Gomez and Carmen Santander; his siblings, Carmen Jimenez and her husband John, Joe, Fernando, Gloria Lopez and her husband Octavio, and David and his wife Luz; his cherished grandchildren, Jonathan, Melissa, Sandra, and Caitlyn; his beloved great-grandson, John; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family members who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Monday June 15th, 2026. St. Ann's Catholic Church, 1311 Robinson Drive, Haines City, Florida, 33844. Reception will follow in the church social hall directly after the mass. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, 1001 S. 10th street, Haines City, Fla.  33844, whose mission of serving those in need was close to Juan's heart.