Ricardo de Leon of Rockland, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a long illness.

Ricardo was born on September 14, 1947, in Camagüey, Cuba, to his parents, Rafael de Leon and Maria Aida de Leon. He carried with him a deep appreciation for his roots and the beauty of his homeland throughout his life.

In 1963, Ricardo fled the communist regime in Cuba with his mother and brother to begin a new life in the United States. He often shared stories of those early years such as the challenges of learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and coping with the loss of his homeland. Despite these hardships, Ricardo was immensely proud to be a Cuban American. He was equally proud to become an American citizen and deeply loved his adopted country, the United States.

He was the devoted husband of Mary Hansen, who predeceased him in September 2015. Together, they built a life centered on love and family. Their home was a beautiful blend of cultures, always warm and welcoming to all who entered. Ricardo and Mary shared a special love for the Dominican Republic, traveling there often. Ricardo would say it was the closest he could come to being home again.

Ricardo was a very creative individual who often thought outside the proverbial box. He approached problem-solving with ingenuity, whether repairing items around the house or modifying his clothing and shoes for greater comfort. He loved painting and drawing, developing a unique artistic style that reflected his personality. Although English was not his first language, he wrote beautiful stories about his life, in which his voice was clearly present. Many of his stories included imaginative embellishments that made them even more engaging. He also had a deep love for music and enjoyed a wide range of genres.

Ricardo was a loving and protective father to his three children: Richard DeLeon of Hanson, Massachusetts; Kimberly DeLeon Vieira of Bridgewater, Massachusetts; and Mary DeLeon Charwat of Hampton, New Hampshire. His children were the pride of his life. He parented with quiet strength and deep love. He had a gift for turning ordinary moments into lasting memories such as making grocery shopping an adventure by tossing paper towels down the aisle like a football. Much to Mary’s dismay, he even allowed his children to ride shotgun in his red Volkswagen Beetle without a front passenger seat. Above all, Ricardo loved his children beyond measure, often telling them he would go to the ends of the earth for them.

He was immensely proud of his eight grandchildren; Alexandra (Ali), Gabriella (Gabby), Paul DeLeon (PJ), Sara, Grace, Rachel, Juliana, and Caroline. Ricardo showed each of them profound love and took great joy in being part of their lives. He taught many of them how to drive at a young age, spent hours painting and drawing with them, and enjoyed sharing simple pleasures like a cold bottle of Diet Coke. Ricardo’s vast love and ability to create unique memories made him beloved by his grandchildren.

Ricardo worked as an Electrical Assembly Manager, leading production teams and overseeing the assembly of electro-mechanical systems for several companies throughout his career. He instilled in his children the values of hard work and perseverance. Even after long days at work, he ran a workshop from his home, taking on additional projects and often involving his wife and children in the work.

He had a deep passion for running and exercise. An avid runner, Ricardo completed several marathons and could often be seen running through Rockland and surrounding towns with his close friends. Weekends were often spent at races, where Ricardo and Mary would compete side by side while their children cheered them on.

Ricardo leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to family. His journey, from Cuba to the life he built in the United States, reflects a life lived with courage and purpose. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. Siempre en nuestros corazones ~ his love, strength, and story will live on forever.

In keeping with his wishes, Ricardo will be cremated, and his family will gather privately to honor and celebrate his life.