Leon Valdez

East Chicago, IN - Leon Valdez Sr., age 62, of East Chicago, IN, passed away on Friday, October 29, 2021.

Leon is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Elsa Valdez; son, Leon Valdez II; brothers: Rafael (Juana) Valdez, Ruben (Maria) Valdez; sisters: Teresa Frevert, Alica Paz; and in-laws: Francisco Jr. (Alma) Rosado, Cecilia (Eliezer) Cruz, Delia Gallegos, Jose (Trina) Rosado, Patrick (Angela) Rosado; and numerous nephews and nieces, as well as many great-nephews and great-nieces. Leon was preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Maria Luisa Valdez; and brothers-in-law: Ricardo Paz, Jefferey Frevert, and Anthony Gallegos.

Leon was a graduate of East Chicago Washington High School - and was a proud Senator, Class of 1977. His post-secondary education included South Suburban College and Purdue University.

Leon dedicated his life’s work to improving the lives of those in his community. He retired from the City of East Chicago after serving for over three decades in various departments. He was also a member of the East Chicago Economic Development Commission. Leon was also a Clinical Pharmacy Technician at both St. Catherine's Hospital and Fagen Pharmacy.

He carried his mission of service from life’s work to life’s leisure. For many summers, Leon was a coach to countless youth at East Chicago Harbor Little League. He was a devout catholic who served as Eucharist Minister at Our Lady of Guadalupe in East Chicago. Leon was also the School Board President for the Lighthouse Academies of Indiana until 2014. He was also a proud member of the Latin American Motorcycle Association.

Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at Fife Funeral Home, 4201 Indianapolis Blvd, East Chicago, IN 46312 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A Catholic Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 3510 Deodar street, East Chicago, IN with Rev. Terry Steffens officiating.   A private burial will follow.

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