Joseph Cruz Leyva Sr., born in Santa Barbara on May 3, 1941 was unexpectedly taken from us on February 27, 2013 and reunited with those who precede him in death, his parent, Cosmo and Lugarda Leyva, his sisters, Lupe, Mary, Jessie and Jenny. His brothers Manuel and Pepe, nephews Alvaro Perez, Jr. and Phillip Villaobos and his oldest son, Joseph Cruz Leyva, Jr. Joe worked at UCSB for 40+ years until he retired in 2005. Joe was an extraordinary father to his 6 children, daughters, Cecilia Ornellas, Toni and Maria Leyva of Santa Barbara, Rosemarie Taylor of Glendale, AZ and his youngest son Dino Leyva of Ventura and was a playful grandpa to his 11 grandchildren. Dad, we still can’t believe you are forever gone and that we will never again hear your laugh or the sound of your snoring.
Thank you for being the man you were and always, always supporting us. A more loving father we could never wish for. A Service will be held on Friday, March 8, 2013 1PM at 199 N. Hope Ave., Santa Barbara, California with a gathering to assemble after.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations or volunteer your time to the Santa Barbara Diabetes Resource Center, Santa Barbara, California.
