Sam C. De Leon (1929 – 2025) passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on March 18, 2025, surrounded by his family. We were blessed to have such a warmhearted and loving father.

He was born and lived his entire life in Orange, CA. He graduated from Orange High School. He served 3 years in the Army, was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and was promoted to the rank of Corporal during the Korean War. After completing his military service, he worked at the Tubbs Cordage Company where he would meet his future wife, Rebecca. Together they had three daughters, Christine, Catherine (aka Kippy) and Cynthia. From there Sam went on to work as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for the next 47 years until he retired.

Our dad was a kind and caring man who really enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, traveling and family gatherings. He loved listening, singing and dancing to Oldies and Mexican music. He had an amazing sense of humor and a quick wit, or as we would call them, his one line zingers! In his later years, we would all venture to Big Bear to celebrate Catherine’s birthday as a family, which entailed so much celebrating that it became known as “Kippypooloza”, a name given by our cousin Joe. This was his passion, family, friends and taking in every moment. His smile, playfulness and welcoming nature endeared him to all that met and knew him. It is no wonder that as a Postman he made many friends on his route and therefore was dearly missed when he retired.

Sam is survived by his sister, Sister Mary Gabriel De Leon, his former spouse Rebecca, and their daughters, Christine, Catherine, Cynthia, his granddaughter Denise, great-grandchildren, Frances, Morea, Joshua and Zachary, and great-great grandson, Anthony. Sam is also survived by his former spouse Rachel and her son Rippy.

Predeceased family members: Sam’s parents Jose and Maria De Leon and siblings, Edna, Arthur, Henry, Amy and Richard.