[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 79 (Tuesday, May 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING WILLIAM ``BILLY'' LEO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2018

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Mr. 
Billy Leo, an outstanding public servant of La Joya, Texas.
  Mr. Leo was born on May 24, 1947 in Laredo, Texas, but lived most of 
his life as a resident of La Joya, Texas. Mr. Leo led a busy career in 
public service, first as a member of the La Joya ISD school board, 
where he would serve as President in 1975 and 1979. Thereafter, he 
followed the path of his late father by being elected Mayor of La Joya 
in 1981. He served in this office until 1986, when he became the 
Hidalgo Country Clerk until 1994. During this time, he also worked as a 
delegate to the Democratic National Committee. He took up the role of 
Mayor of La Joya again from 2003 to 2011.
  Through his unwavering service to the Democratic Party, citizens and 
politicians alike began to fondly refer to Leo as ``Mr. Democrat.'' Leo 
worked tirelessly to bring prosperity and progress to his home 
community. In 2012, Leo was honored by the Hidalgo County Commissioners 
court for his service. Mr. Leo was also a dear friend of former Texas 
Governor Ann Richards. He received the Ann Richards Award in 2014 for 
his work as part of the Democratic Party.
  Mr. Leo is noted as once saying, ``I worked hard and cared for my 
city. That's all I want to be remembered for. I was here and I think 
this is the best city there is.''
  Mr. Leo is survived by his wife, Dr. Filomena Leo; his daughter and 
son-in-law, Noralisa Leo and Eduardo Herranz of Arlington, VA, his son 
Michael Leo of Palmview, TX, his daughter Lita Leo of La Joya, TX, his 
son and daughter-in-law Billy Leo Jr. & Anne Leo of Cedar Park, TX, and 
daughter Letty Leo of Cedar Park, TX; 5 grandchildren; He is also 
survived by brothers James Leo (Lydia) of Mission, TX; Henry Leo of La 
Joya, TX; Leo J. Leo Jr. (Martha) of Mission, TX; and sister Nellie Leo 
of La Joya, TX.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Mr. 
Billy Leo.

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