Antonio "Tony" Leyba

Antonio “Tony” Leyba died December 1, 2022, following a brief illness.  He was born August 18, 1928 in Bernalillo, NM. 

He graduated from Bernalillo High School in 1946, served three years in the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1949.  He attended New Mexico State University for one year prior to returning to Bernalillo.

Tony supported his family by working two jobs for 19 years as a supervisor in civil service at Kirtland Air Force Base and as a salesman for Sears Automotive in Albuquerque. 

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Mary Hope, his sister, Rita Last, daughters Frances Stuckwisch (Stephen), Yvonne Leyba (Paul Ziemba), and Andrea Sunderman (Harold). 

He had six grandchildren, Matthew Stuckwisch, Rachel Stuckwisch, Adrian Ziemba, Gregory Ziemba, Laurel Sunderman, and Bryant Sunderman (Adrianna). 

Tony is also survived by Thomas Maes, whom he considered to be “the son he never had,” along with several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents, Liberato and Antonia Leyba, brothers Liberato Jr. Leyba, Carlos Leyba, and Demetrio Leyba, daughter Cynthia Leyba, and granddaughter Beckie Stuckwisch. 

His proudest achievement in life was seeing his children’s educational and professional achievements, as well as living to see his grandchildren working toward their educational degrees and professions.  Tony had a lifelong pursuit of self-education and was an avid reader of National Geographic, Western-themed books and New Mexico history. 

He worked the crossword puzzle daily, and especially enjoyed working with his brother ranching and farming.  He and his sense of humor will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A rosary will be recited on Friday, January 6, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Bernalillo.