HAROLD LEON YAP “LEON”

Born on February 5, 1947 in Honolulu, Hawaii
Departed on June 16, 2025, in Melbourne, Florida

Harold Leon Yap “Leon”, 78, died unexpectedly June 16, 2025, at Holmes Regional Hospital, Melbourne FL. He was born on February 5, 1947, in Honolulu HI, son to the late Harold Leong and Mary Frances (Buff) Yap.

Leon graduated from Narimasu High School in Tokyo, Japan, Class of 1965. He then joined the United States Marine Corps and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded The Purple Heart and retired as a Staff Sergeant.

Following his military service, Leon was valedictorian of his graduating class at Leeward Community College in Pearl City HI where he received a Liberal Arts degree in 1976. He also attended the University of Hawaii.

He moved to Florida in the late 1980s where he started the Eagle Construction business. He then worked as a mailman for 17 years before retiring from the US Postal Service. Retirement gave Leon and his wife Patty the time to enjoy their love for traveling, taking road trips throughout the United States, as well as Alaskan and Caribbean cruises, and a trip abroad to Israel.

Leon is survived by his wife, Patricia “Patty” Marie (Bowman) Yap; his children: son Gary Leon Yap, daughter Lisa Frances (Yap) Sugimura and her husband Sean Sugimura, son Andrew Kekailoa Yap, daughter Kelci Makamae Yap, and stepdaughter Jessica Bowman and her husband Jonathan Sanchez; and five grandchildren: Samantha Yap, Shayley Beth Yap, Kaeo Sugimura, Kiara Sugimura, and Kaliya Yap. He is also survived by his seven sisters: Letha Palmanteer and her husband Monte, Yolanda Domyan, Sylvia Brown and her husband Roger, Mary Pascua and her husband Randy, Theresa Yap and her partner Rudy Piano, Dodie Kekuewa and her husband Isaac, and Pauline Yap and her husband Norman Miyasato, as well as many nieces and nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins. In addition, he is survived by his beloved service dog Oliver and Oliver’s sister Pumpkin.

A military honor ceremony will be held on October 3rd 2025 at 11:00am at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

8 entries.

Bee Chanda Yap from Riverside wrote on June 26, 2025:

To my O’hana cousins, prayers & love…May you find comfort & blessed time with eachother as you experience your great loss. To Patty & family, God bless you with His everlasting tender love. Wish I could give you all hugs—…Warmest Aloha, Bee Chanda

Betty Rentfrow from Satellite Beach wrote on June 23, 2025:

Till we meet again "Pineapple" Lots of Love to Pat and Jess and the Entire Family Chuck and Betty (Janie)

Charles "Chuck" Enomoto Sr. from Redding wrote on June 23, 2025:

Our condolences and prayers of peace,comfort,and joy too Patty and the Ohana that he with his Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Thomas E Jones from Melbourne, FL wrote on June 22, 2025:

I remember working with Leon at the Post Office many years ago. He was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor and an outgoing personality. I am truly saddened by his sudden passing and pray for comfort and peace for his family.

Marc & Vicki from Sebastian wrote on June 21, 2025:

A gentle and precious friend for many years. Always looking out for the best interest of others. We miss him here on earth but take comfort in knowing he is with his Lord and Savior, Jesus who is Christ. We'll see you later Leon, our dear friend and brother.

Doris Roberge from Fishers Indiana wrote on June 21, 2025:

Patty I am so sorry to hear about Leon passing. I am sending many prayers your way . My phone number has not changed please feel free to call anytime. I see that he is going to be buried at C C National Cemetery which is we’re Tom is. I am so sorry I am not there to help you. Doris

Jeff & Linda Ludwa from Melbourne wrote on June 21, 2025:

We send our condolences for your sad loss of a wonderful, kind, interesting person. We are so glad we got to meet him and get to know him for years. Jeff & I send our sympathy to Patty and family.

Jessica Bowman from Cary wrote on June 21, 2025:

Mr Leon, wasn't a stepdad, he was dad. He was there when I needed him and when I didn't know I needed him. He was an amazing person! I'll be forever grateful he met my mom and came onto our lives 20+ years ago. I love you forever and always and you will be missed dearly!! Love, Jessica