Leon C Peraldo

Heaven opened its doors to a very unique and special man, Leon (Lee) C Peraldo, Jr. on September 6, 2024 with his wife, Linda by his side. A valiant fighter at 99 years young. Lee was an anomaly, as someone said. A story of his own at his age.

He was born June 19, 1925 in Paterson, New Jersey at a time just prior to the Great Depression. He was part of the Greatest Generation. His childhood was like others of the times, however in his late teens that life changed. The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor changing he and his friends lives forever. A game of Sunday football turned into them enlisting in the United States Marines. After training , he was shipped to the South Pacific where he fought besides his fellow Marines in several invasions including Okinawa, where he was fighting when the Japanese surrender was announced. He was aboard a Naval ship in Tokyo Bay when the Armistice was signed. He had stories to share. After being discharged Lee went home to attend college, create a career and marry Helen (RIP) having four children Leon III, Jimmy (RIP), Tracy and Kenneth.

His chosen career was the automobile industry for over 50 years in New Jersey, Florida, Georgia and Las Vegas. It was in Las Vegas where he fell in love with Linda, his wife of nearly 44 years. Their daughter is Kimberly (Ream).

In 2020 when COVID struck they relocated to their daughter and son-in-laws home in Colorado City, Arizona where he became involved with the other Veterans of the community. Loving every minute of the parades, flag raising ceremonies, GOP rallies, friendships and showing 110% of his Patriotism to the younger generations by example. He became a member of Community of Grace Church as well as being the oldest volunteer ever at the Common Grounds Thrift Store retiring at 99. You would recognize Lee everywhere as he proudly wore his WWII USMC Veteran hat.

Lee was blessed with five children who gave him grandchildren Justin, Chris, Robert, Alisha, Corey, Austin (RIP), Daniel, Alissa , Paige, Christopher, Howard, Wendall, Brigham, Bonnie, George, Serena and Dorothy. These wonderful grandchildren have also given him 9 great grandchildren. He has also been dubbed “Grandpa Lee” to countless youngsters in our community who brought him such great joy. God, Family and Country were what he stood for and loved most.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters June and Edie, son Jimmy, and grandson Austin.. He is survived by his wife Linda, sister Edna, children Lee III (Lorraine), Tracy Dykes (Robert), Kenneth (Karen), Kimberly Ream (Howard), grandchildren Justin, Chris, Alisha, Corey, Daniel (Kalie), Christopher (Marjie), Howard Jr., Wendall (Bianca), Brigham, Bonnie (Aaron), Alissa, Paige, George, Serena, and Dorothy as well as his great grandchildren.

Services will be held Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 2 p.m at the Holm Heritage Center, 1065 N. Carling Street, Hildale, Utah. Reception to follow at Lauritzen Park on Arizona Avenue in Colorado City, AZ.