The Life of Mr. Luis P. Leon
Luis P. Leon, of Fairfield, passed away at home on Thursday, January 16, 2020 with his children Adam L. Leon and Kimberlie I. Leon by his side. He was husband to previously deceased Marion M. Leon.
Born July 10, 1939 in Guanujo, Ecuador, Luis was one of nine children. Luis had a happy childhood and helped run his family’s farm in Ecuador. At the age of 18 he decided to immigrate to the United States in search of an even better life.
Luis settled in the Bronx, New York and met a beautiful girl named Marion Mentrasti who would become his lifelong companion and greatest supporter. They would marry and have two children. While living in the Bronx Luis worked during the day and went to college at night. He received a B.S. in biochemistry from City College of New York and an M.S. in biochemistry from Farleigh Dickinson University. Luis had fond memories of the Bronx and time spent at Marion’s parents’ house, where he developed a love of Italian food, big Sunday dinners, and red wine.
Luis’ career started as a lab tech in different hospitals in New York. He would later join Technicon Corporation where he invented numerous patented technologies. In 1984, with Marion’s encouragement and help, he opened his own clinical chemistry manufacturing company called Catachem, Inc. Luis’ company is still a leading manufacturer of reagents in both the human and veterinary diagnostic markets. Catachem has the reputation for having quality products that facilitate better and faster results. Luis’ career and business were his passion, and he worked until he was no longer able, at the age of 79.
The majority of Luis’ home life was spent in Fairfield, CT on Buckboard Lane. Here he found lifelong neighborhood friends and solace. His greatest joys outside of work, were gardening, fixing what was broken, listening to music, and relaxing on the deck overlooking the New England hardwood forest.
Luis’ intellectual curiosity lent itself to a fondness for different cultures and places. He was able to make his way around the United States, South America, Europe, Africa and China.
Luis will be remembered for having the enduring will that results in being a successful immigrant, entrepreneur, and family man. Luis embodied the American Spirit and captured the American Dream. He loved the United States because it allowed him the freedom to live as he desired. His children are thankful and blessed for all that he was able to give them.
Family and friends may call 9 a.m. -10:30 a.m. Monday, January 20 at Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield CT. Funeral services to honor Luis’ life will immediately follow at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield CT. Interment at Oaklawn Cemetery.