It is with love, compassion, and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Juan Mendoza Leon of San Mateo on Friday, March 20, 2026. He passed away at the age of 99 peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. Fittingly, he was called home on the first day of spring—a gentle reflection of his lifelong love for gardening and the beauty he nurtured in the world around him.
Juan will be lovingly remembered by his devoted daughter, Maria Chavez (Noe Chavez); his cherished grandchildren, Michelle Adle (Ali Adle), Stefanie Hirayama (Andrew Hirayama), and Joshua Cahua; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Layla and Aliyah (Michelle & Ali), Jayden and Zayne (Stefanie & Andrew).
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Delia Leon; his daughter, Luz Leon; his son, John Rick Leon; his brother, Domingo Leon (Zoila Leon); his brother, Laurentino Leon, and his beloved grandchild, Jason Cahua.
Born in Chaclancayo, Peru, Juan immigrated to the United States in 1958 at the age of 32, seeking opportunity and a brighter future for his family. Through hard work, perseverance, and quiet determination, he built a life he was proud of, making his home in San Mateo—a place he deeply cherished.
A man of deep faith, Juan was a longtime parishioner of St. Matthew’s Church, where he worshiped regularly and where his children received their early education. His faith guided his life and was reflected in his humility, generosity, and quiet strength.
Above all, he was a devoted family man who treasured his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His love was steadfast, and he found joy in their presence—offering wisdom, encouragement, and guidance.
He also found great peace in tending his garden, spending countless hours nurturing it with patience and care—a reflection of the way he lived and loved. As the first blooms of spring arrive each year, may we be reminded of him and the love he planted in all of us.
He will be remembered as a hardworking, faithful, and kind-hearted man whose legacy lives on through the family he cherished.
A visitation and prayer vigil will be held at 7pm, on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home, 977 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00am, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at St Matthew’s Catholic Church, 1 Notre Dame Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94402.
The interment will be held at Skylawn Funeral Home, Mausoleum in the Sky, Memorial Park, 888 Lifemark Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Juan’s name to the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center to support cancer research, patient care, and education.
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