Luis Leonardo De Jesus Builes Alzate

Leonardo Builes, peacefully entered into eternal rest on February 13, 2023, at the age of 103.   Leonardo was born in Barbosa (Matasano), Antioquia, Colombia on October 27, 1919.  He was predeceased by his parents Efrain Builes and Elisa Alzate,  8 brothers and sisters:  Joel Builes, Alfonso Builes, Magdalena Builes, Lucia Builes, Marta Builes, Jose Jesus Builes, Lorenzo Builes, Julia Rosa Builes (infant), and his beloved granddaughter, Claudita Romero.  He immigrated to the United States of America in October 1969, at the age of 50.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Liliam Builes (nee: Cadavid) and his 8 children:  Elisa Restrepo, Leon Builes, Liliam Builes, Mario Builes, Alba Lopez, Ligia Builes, Cruz Builes,  Luz Angela Edwards, 19 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Since his arrival to the United States in 1969, he lived in Taftville, CT, Hoboken, NJ, Jersey City, NJ, and most recently in Colonia, NJ.  He lived in Jersey City for almost 50 years.  Before coming to America, Leonardo worked in Fabricato, Bello, Antioquia as a Textile Mechanic.   He retired in 1980 from Classic Weaving Corporation, North Bergen,  NJ, where he worked as a Textile Machine Mechanic.

Leonardo had a lot of virtues, but he was mainly known for his modesty, generosity, love for cars, and the Love for his Family and God.   He touched many lives through his unselfishness, storytelling, and wise advice.   He was relentlessly hard-working, never gave up on anything, and taught his children and grandchildren to do the same.  He will be truly missed.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023, from 4-9 pm at Las Rosas Bannworth  Funeral Home, 1055 E. Jersey Street, in Elizabeth, NJ 07201.  A Mass will be offered  on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 853 3rd Avenue, Elizabeth NJ 07202.

“Papito, Que Descanses en la Gloria del Señor”  Amén y Amén