Matthew Fernando Leija

Matthew Fernando Leija was born on August 5, 1999, in Dallas, Texas, to Francisco and Angelita Leija. He was the baby boy of his siblings, raised in a loving, tight-knit family where loyalty, laughter, and togetherness meant everything. From the very beginning, Matt was cherished.

His mother lovingly called him “King James.” He was her baby boy, the one who could get away with just about anything. Their bond was deep and unbreakable. When he lost his beloved mother, Angelita, it was one of the greatest heartbreaks of his life. Though her passing left a permanent ache in his heart, her love shaped the man he became. Today, we find comfort knowing they are reunited.

Matt was also deeply close to his father, Francisco. When he was younger, they spent time deer hunting together, moments that sparked his lifelong love of guns and the outdoors. Those memories became treasures he carried proudly. He was adored by his sisters and brothers, and family was never just important to Matt, it was his identity.

From West Dallas (Cross Hampton) and proud of it, Matt never forgot where he came from. He carried his roots with honor. He was a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan and loved everything that represented his city.

Love transformed his world when he met Flor Mascorro. From the moment they met, he loved her fully and without hesitation. That love extended instantly to her son, Liam Rodriguez Mascorro, whom Matt raised as his own. Together, they built a beautiful life. What began as three soon became six with the arrival of their three precious daughters, Penelope Annali Leija Mascorro, Iris Azalea Leija Mascorro, and Camellia Leija Mascorro.

Being “Papi” meant everything to Matt. It was his greatest title. The family he created became the center of his universe. He would do anything to protect them and loved them with his entire being. He often spoke proudly about the family he came from and the family he made, holding both close to his heart. Beyond his own children, he stepped in to help raise nieces and nephews whenever needed. They looked up to him. To them, he was larger than life.

Matt had a personality that filled a room. He had the gift of hospitality. His home was always open, the grill was always going, and there was always food for whoever showed up. He loved to cook and feed people, and he was happiest when everyone was together.

He was obsessed with fireworks, not casually interested, but truly obsessed. He loved the excitement, the spectacle, and the joy they brought, and he made sure everyone around him felt that same thrill. Celebrations were simply bigger because of Matt.

He loved his whiskey, all kinds, and had a serious collection of Jordan’s with more pairs than anyone could count. He enjoyed gun shows and never left without some beef jerky. Twisted Tea and sweet tea were favorites, and wings were always at the top of his list. He worked hard, loved making money, and carried himself with confidence. WWE wrestling was must-watch television, especially when Eddie Guerrero was in the ring.

Matt also had a thoughtful and reflective side. He loved the book Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen and Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, reminders that mindset matters and that life holds endless possibility.

Tragically, Matt’s life was taken from him on February 20, 2026. His time here was far too short, but his impact was immeasurable.

His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and protected. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Flor Mascorro; his adored son, Liam Rodriguez Mascorro; his precious daughters, Penelope Annali Leija Mascorro, Iris Azalea Leija Mascorro, and Camellia Leija Mascorro; his father, Francisco Leija; his siblings Jesse Rodriguez, Robert Rodriguez, Frank Leija, Oscar Leija, David Leija, Elizabeth Leija and her husband Steven Gutierrez, Selina Leija, and Sarah Leija; and numerous nieces and nephews who adored him.

He joins in heaven his loving mother, Angelita Rodriguez Leija, surely greeting him again as her “King James.”

Matthew Fernando Leija’s story does not end here. It lives on in backyard barbecues, fireworks lighting up the sky, Jordan's lined up by the door, Sunday football games, and in the laughter of his children.

The family he came from.
The family he made.
That is his legacy.