In Loving Memory of.

Leopoldo J. Venegas

Leopoldo “Leo” J. Venegas, 81, passed away on August 10, 2026, in El Paso, Texas. He was born on April 29, 1945, in El Paso and grew up in Central El Paso before raising his own family in East El Paso.

Leo attended Austin High School before beginning his military career with the United States Navy in 1962. He served for three years aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp. During his final year of service, he was selected to join the U.S. Navy Blue Angels demonstration team as a jet mechanic. As a member of the Blue Angels, Leo traveled to 33 states and 87 cities throughout the United States and was designated plane captain for an F-11A Grumman fighter jet. His service with the Navy and the Blue Angels remained a proud and meaningful chapter of his life.

To those who knew him, Leo was a loving husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend. He was a provider who believed deeply in family, hard work, discipline, and strong moral principles. He understood life's challenges and wanted his children to have the values and foundation they needed to build lives of their own.

Leo shared his life with his beloved wife, Virginia Guerra Venegas. Together, they raised their family and built a life grounded in the values they held dear. Leo was the patriarch of the family—an imposing figure who was well respected and someone you looked up to and never wanted to let down. Beneath that strong presence was a gentle and generous heart. He was always willing to help family or friends in need and took great pride in being there for the people he loved.

His home was often a gathering place for family and friends, where good food, conversation, and laughter created lasting memories. He especially welcomed his sons Javier and Mike's friends, treating them as part of the family. Those gatherings reflected the kind of man Leo was: generous, loyal, and happiest when surrounded by the people he cared about.

Leo worked for Southern Pacific and Union Pacific Railroad for more than 30 years. A talented mechanic, he put his skills in welding and automotive mechanics to use throughout his life. He was a hardworking man who took pride in knowing how to fix things and lend a helping hand.

Leo also had a deep love for the outdoors. Fishing and hunting brought him great enjoyment, and he found peace and freedom in nature. He loved sports, especially football, and proudly cheered for the Dallas Cowboys. Above all, he was a devoted UTEP Miners fan. He especially enjoyed Saturday tailgating, grilling food, and cheering on his beloved Miners with family and friends.

Leo is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia Guerra Venegas; his sons, Mike Venegas and Javier Venegas; his grandchildren, Madison Rae Venegas, Kamryn Bailey Venegas, Zenaida Alexa Venegas, and Zenina Alessandra Venegas; his daughters-in-law, Teresa Villagrana Venegas and Jana Venegas; and his sister, Evelyn Venegas Franco.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Joe Venegas and Bert Venegas.

Leo will be deeply missed by his family and friends and remembered for his strength, generosity, humor, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. His legacy lives on in the family he built, the values he passed down, and the memories shared by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

May he rest peacefully in Heaven and be reunited with the loved ones who went before him. His love, lessons, and memory will remain with his family for generations to come.

 San Jose Funeral Home-East,

10950 Pellicano Dr., 79935, (915) 590-8700

Visitation: Monday August 17, 2026

from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Rosary starting at 6:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass at St Raphael's Catholic Church at 9:30 a.m.



Internment : Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.