Leoncio Estrada-Feliciano

On August 3, 2025, Leoncio “Lee” Estrada Feliciano of Pensacola, Florida, passed away at home. He was born on October 28, 1937, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, the son Hipolito Estrada and Felicita Feliciano. Lee was a 1954 graduate of the University of Puerto Rico with a BA in Social Sciences. He was a member of the Army National Guard and while attending the University he joined the Army ROTC. Upon graduation from the University of Puerto Rico, Lee was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army where he completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. During his tours of duty in the Vietnam War, he was awarded the Silver Star with, the United States Armed Forces’ third-highest military decoration for valor in combat, which he earned for his heroic actions and gallantry in keeping his battalion from siege of enemy fire, The Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism during an aerial flight combat assault; four Bronze Stars Medals for his meritorious achievements in ground operations against hostile force; The Army Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. While serving on active duty, he also achieved his MA in General Education in 1975 from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico. In1979 he was honorably discharged (retired) with the rank of Major. After his retirement from the Army, he worked as a safety supervisor and purchasing agent for several manufacturing companies until he decided to completely retire from the labor force. Lee was a member and became President of Lions Club (Ceiba, PR Chapter), Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon (Pensacola), Kiwanis Club of Lehigh Acres Florida, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans. Lee was a longtime parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Leoncio’s quick wit and sense of humor was second to none; he loved to laugh and to make others laugh always joking and telling stories. He enjoyed talking to anyone he came across and knew no stranger. Lee was an avid golfer as well as a PGTCA Class A Professional golf instructor. He enjoyed teaching both men and women the sport which he dearly loved. He also enjoyed camping, fishing & snorkeling in the beautiful beaches and gorgeous blue waters of Puerto Rico. Lee was a whiz at playing dominoes and loved watching baseball, boxing, and MMA. Lee will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 65 years, Nilsa Bonano Ramirez, sisters-in-law, Lucy (Morales) Estrada, Cusin (Bonano) Gonzalez (Danny), and Marissa Carreras (Benny); children Orlando R. Estrada (Sandra), Arnaldo R. Estrada (Vilmarie), Edgardo A. Estrada (Deanna), Reinaldo A. Estrada (Candy), Nilsa N. (Estrada) Clarke (Mike), and Oscar J. Estrada (Linda). Grandchildren, Vanessa L. D’Acosta (Emile), Orlando L. Estrada, Adriana Estrada Genao (Juan), Daniel Estrada (Erica), Antonio Kai Estrada, Edgardo Zane Estrada, Rey L. Estrada, Michaela P. Estrada, Cairone Reft, Maria Clarke Acosta (Alex), Michael N. Clarke, Lauren (Clarke) Hemme (Christian), Ioika Estrada, Irie Estrada, Yaritza, Lindita & Brieannie; four great-grandchildren: Jonah D’Acosta, Camila Genao, Rafael Estrada, Carlo Estrada; niece and nephew Fr Reinaldo Estrada Morales and Lucy Yvonne Estrada Morales. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Reinaldo Estrada Feliciano, and mother-in-law Felipa Nery Ramirez. Services will be held, Monday, August 25, 2025, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 10650 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola, FL 32507. A visitation will be held from 11 am to 12 noon with funeral and gravesite services to follow. Interment will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery located inside NAS Pensacola.

Tributes

Leoncio Estrada-Feliciano

October 28, 1937 - August 3, 2025