
Eddie Enrique Leyva was born on November 11, 1955 in La Habana, Cuba. His father brought him and his sister, Marta, to the United States in June 1962 seeking political asylum, and three years later, his mother, María Del Carmen Espinosa Esquierda, joined them. His parents later divorced, and his mother remarried Felix Castellaños. Eddie lived in Rogers Park, Chicago and worked in the advertising department at The Chicago Times, a place he spoke fondly of throughout his life. In 1973 the family moved to Miami, FL where Eddie finished out his senior year of high school, but he remained a life-long Cubs fan.

He joined the United States Marine Corps in January 1976 and went to bootcamp in Parris Island, South Carolina. He served as a military policeman first at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and then in Okinawa, Japan.

After receiving an honorable discharge from Marine Corps Recruit Depot in 1980, Eddie stayed in San Diego and began working at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery while also attending San Diego City College and San Diego State University. In 1981, he met his wife, Patricia (Patty) Leyva née Braun, in City Heights in the small apartment complex where they both lived, and the couple moved in together the next year. During this time, Eddie discovered his love of golf when he started playing with his landlord, Nick Turnipseed, who also delivered milk.

Eddie started working for the United States Post Office in January 1987, first at the central post office on Midway Drive on the night shift, and later at the Pacific Beach and Rancho Bernardo post offices before he retired in January 2013. 

Eddie and Patty married on October 10, 1987 in Coronado, CA, and six months later, they bought their first home in Poway, CA. On September 5, 1990, Jennifer (Jenn) Ashley was born, followed several years later by Ryan Edward on May 26, 1994. Eddie became a US citizen on November 14, 2007 so he and Jenn could vote together for the first time.

Eddie was a supportive father, picking his children up from school, taking them to sports practices and after school activities, and driving Jenn to swim meets on Friday afternoons so she could compete in the long-distance events. He coached Ryan in little league baseball, soccer and pop warner football, and taught him how to golf. Eddie was very encouraging of his children’s interests and incredibly generous with them, often reminding, “There is always more at the store,” if someone wanted to eat the last donut. He would do anything for his wife and children to make them happy. Eddie and Patty played co-ed softball for many years and later golfed and played pickleball together. Eddie also reveled in fantasy baseball and football leagues, and Ryan continues that legacy.

Eddie was a gifted storyteller and lover of words, a thoughtful friend and colleague, opinionated and honest with those around him, and an excellent cook whose favorite meal was always breakfast. You knew you were in his inner circle if you were lucky enough to be given a nickname by him.

Eddie passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on March 20, 2024. His mother, father and sister preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Patty, his children Jenn and Ryan, his half-brother Felix, and his nieces Cristal and Carmen.

His memorial service with military honors will be on June 13, 2024 at 1230 at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr. San Diego, CA 92122.


At church where went to school in chicago

Miramar National Cemetery

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery

Edwardo as I so often called you. The words for you are boundless...incredibly caring, too funny, generous, endearing, humble, compassionate, always there....his MO....what can I do for you, how can I help.  I was fortunate to know him for decades.  Some great softball years, awesome barbeques in Poway.  What strikes me the most is how he was there for me.  He was always trying to help especially when when I had things with my family, brother and sister. Always ready to step away from the gathering to help me, talk it through, cheer me up.  One special breed.  
I feel gratitude and honor to have been lucky enough to have known him.  Greatly loved, deeply missed.

Debi- We had lots of fun together with Ed over the years. 

I am at loss for words, Ed left us far too soon. I've been friends of Patty and Ed for many years. He was a dear friend, amazing person with the most wholesome heart and upbeat spirit. He would prepare us dinner before our facials. He would play pickleball even though his passion was golf. One of our outings would be to Lake Poway concerts. We would trek to the store there for good deal beers. Patty and him would dance. Memorable times. I will truly miss his smile and his witty remarks. Rest in peace Ed we will miss you dearly. 

We were on a bowling team that got to go to Vegas at the end of our league.   When we got there we went back and forth many times looking for check in.  Finally Ed through his hands and just lay on the floor saying come get me when you find it.  Too funny.

My uncle Eddy was the sweetest man with a heart of gold. His hugs were the best and I miss him so much. 

More pictures of Ed and me(his wife Patty). 

Sharing more pictures of my husband, Eddie Leyva - cubs fan

EDDIE ENRIQUE LEYVA

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