Leon was an amazing person whose life was defined by love, kindness, laughter, and an unwavering desire to take care of the people around him. He never judged people. He welcomed them for who they were, always willing to help, and he had a special place in his heart for anyone who needed someone in their corner. He always rooted for the underdog.
Leon had a gift for making people laugh. He loved being around people, bringing them together, and making sure everyone felt welcome. His presence could brighten a room, and his ability to bring people together was one of the many things that made him so special. He leaves behind a massive family that stretches from one end of the Valley to the other, and there was never a shortage of people who loved him and considered him family.
On March 3, 2015, Leon married his beloved wife, Marta De Leon. To Marta, Leon was her husband, best friend, protector, and safe place. He took care of her and did everything he could to make her life better. Their life together was filled with love, laughter, memories, and the little moments that became precious because they shared them. His love for Marta was evident in everything he did.
Leon was also a loving father to his son, Geavius Jimenez. Family meant everything to him, and he treasured the people he was blessed to call his own.
Leon began his career with US Airways on January 26, 2015, which happened to be Marta's birthday. When US Airways eventually became American Airlines, Leon continued doing work he truly loved. As a crew chief, he took great pride in his job and in the people he worked with. Keeping people safe was one of his highest priorities, and he carried that responsibility with genuine care. He loved his coworkers and the people he worked alongside, and his dedication to his job was a reflection of the kind of person he was, someone who looked out for others.
Leon found joy in many things. He loved to draw and paint, expressing his creativity in ways that were uniquely his. He loved music, and he loved creating videos and pictures to preserve the memories of his life with the people he loved. He understood the importance of capturing moments, and because of him, so many memories will continue to live on.
His dogs, Daisy and Rosie, were deeply loved members of his family. Leon adored them, and they brought him tremendous happiness and companionship.
A little over a year ago, Leon discovered another passion when he began riding motorcycles. Riding gave him a feeling of freedom and became something he truly enjoyed. It was another way for him to experience life, and to simply feel free.
Leon is survived by his beloved wife, Marta De Leon; his son, Geavius Jimenez; his mother, Sonia Jimenez; his father, Mauricio Maldonado; his brothers, Gino Peralta, Elijah Peralta, Mauricio Cuauhtémoc Maldonado, and Tommy Peralta; and his enormous extended family and countless friends who loved him dearly.
Leon lived his life by caring for others. He protected the people he loved, stood up for those who needed someone to believe in them, brought people together, and made people laugh. He gave so much of himself to the people around him, and his impact will continue through every person whose life he touched.
He was a husband who loved deeply, a father who cared, a son and brother who was cherished, a friend who could always make you laugh, and a man who made the people around him feel protected and loved.
Leon was one of a kind. He was deeply loved, and he will be missed beyond measure. His life may have ended, but the love, laughter, memories, and kindness he gave to this world will remain forever.
