Bernardo Robles Leal

Bernardo (Ben) R. Leal, II, 96, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away quietly in his sleep the morning of April 1, 2023, in his home.

Ben was born on May 7, 1926, in Los Angeles, California to Bernardo R. Leal, Sr., and Theresa Leal. Ben attended school in both Los Angeles, CA, as well as Tucson, AZ.

Ben was drafted into the Army Air-Corps in 1945, where he served for three years in an artillery regiment. Following his first enlistment, he re-enlisted into what eventually became the US Air Force, where he served until his retirement in 1973. During his tour in the Air Force, Ben and his family were stationed in La Paz, Bolivia and Bogota Colombia in South America. His tours also took him to Colorado Springs, CO, at the Air Force Academy as well as Hill Air Force Base, UT.

After 27 years of service in the Air Force, Ben went to work in the private sector as a plumbing sales representative for Crane Plumbing, where he retired after 20 years.

Ben was an avid angler and took his kids fishing with him, sometimes when he really wasn't planning on having one or more join him. He had a great love for gardening and every spring planted pole beans, bush beans, tomatoes, and zucchini squash. He enjoyed gardening long into his retirement.

Ben was preceded in death by both his parents; his wife, Leona (Lee) Leal, mother of their four children, his second wife, Sandra (Fredrickson) Leal; and his brother, Rito Leal. He is survived by his children; Bernardo (Ben) R. Leal III (Cindi), Scott Leal (Michelle), Julie Black (Byron), Maria McLellan (Andy), and Chris Fredrickson; grandchildren, Benjamin Leal, Drew McLellan, Patrick McLellan, and Ashley Leal; and his sister, Linda Sanchez.

Friends may visit from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at FRENCH - Lomas. Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 also at FRENCH - Lomas. Ben will be laid to rest with his wife, Leona, at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date.