On April 26th, 2021, Luis Amado Leorza, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully under the care of Halifax Health Hospice at the age of 76.

Luis, known by many as Lu and Chicho by family members,  was born on April 16, 1945 in Sagua la Grande, Cuba. A week before his 16th birthday, his mother put him on a plane with his brother and told him she didn't know when she would see him again or if she ever would.  He and his brother came to the U.S. with the help of Catholic charities through Operation Pedro Pan, which allowed many chldren under 18 to travel safely to the U.S. from Cuba. Lu was reunited with his family nearly 5 years later. Lu's experience living under communism in Cuba led him to be passionate and grateful for the freedoms and rights he had as a U.S. citizen. for the rest of his life.

Lu attended the University of Portland in Oregon and went on to graduate with a degree in Building Construction from the University of Florida. He was an avid Gator fan his entire life. Lu loved his career in commercial construction. Two of his favorite projects were  being project manager for Launch pad 39B at the Cape and project manager for Daytona USA at the Speedway. He enjoyed the speedway project as he attended the races, especially the 24 hours at Daytona for many years with his son, Luis. Lu designed and built the home he and his wife shared for 32 year. Lu had a green thumb and enjoyed growing plants, vegetables and flowers throughout his life. He was especially talented at growing orchids. Lu enjoyed helping in his community by delivering Meals on Wheels for many years. When he could no longer drive, he and Sue delivered the meals together.

Lu was a talented cook. He and his wife and son enjoyed cooking together. He would step into the kitchen every night and ask what he could help with. Every year on Christmas Eve, the family would host family and friends for Noche Buena (the Good Night) with traditional Cuban foods. Lu would get up early and start the pig roast in the backyard. Lu made many converts over the years to appreciate  Cuban pork, black beans and rice,  as well as yucca and flan. He made an awesome paella that many family and friends enjoyed. He also made an awesome mojito.

Lu was preceded in death by his father, Luis, his mother, Raisa and his son Luis. He is survived by his wife Sue of 49 years, his sister, Raisa Perez Lugones of Lawrenceville, Georgia and his brother, Miguel Leorza (Peggy) of Homestead, Florida, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 17th, 2021 at Lohman Funeral Home, 733 West Granada Blvd. in Ormond Beach.  There will be a gathering  time with refreshments after the service.  Donations may be sent to Halifax Health-Begin Again at 655 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114.

Condolences for the family may be shared on this page at our online guestbook.