Leroy Santos Almanza, U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, Ret. CPD Sergeant, age 81 passed away surrounded by his loving family February 9, 2026. Leroy was born in San Antonio, Texas and resided in Chicago. 

Beloved husband of 57 years to Donna (nee Hodor); Loving dad of Gina Mata, Ret. CPD, Theresa Almanza, Ret. CPD (John Schergen, Ret. CFD), the late Alicia Almanza, Anna Marie Deneen, and Joseph Almanza; Proud Poppie of Benjamin (Brittany) Masterson, Courtney (Jason) Rubo, Donna Killeen, John Schergen, Madeline Pehlke, the late Sydney Schergen, Joseph Killeen, CPD, Theresa Deneen, James Deneen, Isaura Mata, and Santos Deneen; Cherished great-grandpa to Joseph and Drew Rubo, Hazel Waite, and Van Masterson; Dearest brother of the late Gilbert (late Elvia) Garcia, Diana (Roger) Garcia, and Eileen (David) McPeak; Fond brother-in-law of Richard (Elizabeth) Hodor. Leroy is survived by many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

The Visitation is Thursday February 12, 2026, from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. with St. Jude Service; The Funeral Service is Friday February 13, 2026, 9:00 a.m. from Curley Funeral Home, 6116 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge to St. Thomas More Church, 2825 West 81st St., Chicago for Mass at 10:00 a.m. A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday February 18, 2026, at 9:45 AM, at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to www.poisoningofamerica.org founded in memory of Sydney Schergen, would be appreciated.