Adriano Leite Jr.

With deep sorrow and immense love in our hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great- Grandfather, Brother, and Uncle, Adriano “Adrian” Leite, Jr. He passed away peacefully on September 27, 2021, at the age of 76, surrounded by the love and comfort of his wife and two children at his bedside.
Adrian was born in New Bedford, Ma., on June 1, 1945. During his early years, he lived back and forth from the East and West Coasts, eventually settling in the West Coast, where he meet his wife, Donna in 1967. They would start a family and in 1978 build the house of his dreams on the beach of Oxnard Shores, in Ventura County, California. He was so proud of the life he made for himself and his family in California. He lived in his dream house until his passing.
Adrian joined the Airforce in June 1963 before he graduated high school, alongside his older brother, Mario. He was honorably discharged in June 1967 with the rank of E4. He then continued his education and graduated from Downey Evening High School in June of 1968.
Adrian went on to graduate from Cerritos Jr. College in Cerritos, California in 1970, and began a career as a tool engineer. He worked for multiple companies, notably Hughes Aircraft (Boeing), where he retired in 1999, after 29 years in the tool designing industry.
During his time as a tool engineer, Adrian enjoyed working on designs for the B-1 Bomber (Rockwell International), the AH64 Apache Helicopter (Hughes Aircraft), and multiple missile and satellite programs throughout his career. Adrian was very proud of all his aerospace accomplishments, taking part in an industry that continued to constantly advance in technology and he spoke in great detail to all that would
listen about exactly what his contributions were to each project he was involved with.
Adrian is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Donna Leite, who would have been celebrating their marriage of 52 amazing years together on October 18, 2021, and who was his sole caregiver during the last 17 years of his life as a liver transplant survivor. Adrian is also survived by his Daughter, Teri Snyder (Carl); Son, Matthew Leite; Grandchildren, Courtnie Snyder (Ray Barrows) & Brandon Snyder; and Great- Granddaughter, Alexis Barrows. In addition, Adrian is survived by his Mother, Elizabeth Serra; his Brothers, Mario Leite (April); Robert “Bob” Leite (Judy); his Sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Sylvia (John); Brother- in-law, Gary Strong (Becky); Sister-in-law, Gail Chafe (Glen); Sister-in- law, Lindy Smith (Larry); and FurBaby, Pepie Leite. There are others who felt Adrian’s profound effect on their lives, including many nieces & nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews and his dear friends he made throughout his life.
Adrian will always be remembered by his family and friends as an amazing, intelligent, loving and hardworking family man that loved life, his family and his friends. Adrain always had a seat at his table for anyone who walked through his door.
We will cherish all the memories we have and remember him in many ways, especially while listening to the Oldies but Goodies, or blasting anything by David Bowie, particularly “Space Oddity” as loud as your eardrums can handle. We will remember him as we watch the sci-fi, travel, or history channels. Anytime we spend on the beach or at an airshow. His interesting sense of humor. His big bear hugs. And of course, all his “knowledge is power” speeches.
Family & Friends are invited to The Celebration of Adrian’s Life being held at the home he and his wife Donna built together, on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 1:00pm. The memorial service for Adrian will be held at the Los Angeles National Cemetery, 950 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, Ca. 90049 on Monday, November 22, 2021 at 1:00pm. Please arrive 15 minutes before, the service will start promptly.

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