Mauricio Leal, Age 84, a lifelong resident of Chicago, passed away peacefully on Oct 27, 2018. Beloved husband of the late Maria Catalina, Loving father of Alicia Pankhurst, Luis (Mariluz), Carlos (Esther) and Margarita. Proud grandfather of Stephanie (James), Alise (Armando), Gabriel and Graciela and great granddaughter Eliza.

Mauricio is survived by his sisters Margarita Leal de Lopez, Mina Leal de Garza and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be on Nov the 14th from 5-9 pm at Grein Funeral Home, 2114 W Irving Park in Chicago. His funeral mass will be held the 15th at 10am, at St. Mary of the Lake Church, followed by interment at Rosehill Cemetery, in Andersonville.

Mauricio came to the US from the country of his birth, Mexico, at the age of 22; in pursuit of the American dream. He worked his way up the hard way, starting in Texas, and then eventually settling in Chicago.

Mauricio Leal was a loyal and committed employee who worked at the Village of Lincolnwood for 43 years in varied positions, ultimately becoming chief mechanic of their public works fleet. A job he truly loved.
He was a father who instilled the values of hard work, restraint and education on his children. Reinforcing his strongly held belief that these qualities would create a pathway that could ensure success in life.
Mauricio always worked 6 days a week, but when Sunday came it was family day and this was his time to enjoy being with his wife and children, it was the day – for Cub games, Ringling Bros. and Birthday celebrations , it was the day – to eat as a family a traditional Mexican dinner or go as a family bike convoy to the lakefront where he would fire up the charcoal grill and cook his famous arrachera steak tacos.
Upon his retirement, Mauricio focused on managing his property, tending to his garden and working in the garage…As always, he was an early-riser who rode his bike every morning from 6-7am, even in the winter snow. Throughout the years he got to know many of his neighbors, whom would often see him in his garden or using his snow blower to clear up the neighborhood sidewalk.
He was a devoted husband, who took on the responsibility of caring for his wife as she struggled with failing health in her later years.

While he was a loving father who dedicated his life to the wellbeing and education of his children, his greatest love was his special needs daughter Margarita.

For Maggie, he would do anything. He was an active board member of Austin Special, where his insight and leadership helped in steering the organization forward over several years. He thoroughly enjoyed giving his time to Austin Special—a special place which has enhanced his daughter's life. He could always be found flipping pancakes at their annual breakfasts and hitting the pavement during the annual walkathon, no matter the weather or the distance.
For many years he was also volunteer coach at Welles Park, helping and cheering on the competitors at all the Special Olympics events and basketball tournaments.

He will be sorely missed by all, whose lives he touched.