Leonza T. Washington was born April 9, 1991, in Madison, Wisconsin to the proud parents Nina Washington and Reggie Anderson. Soon after Leon was born, six months later, his mother moved back to Chicago to be closer to family. Leonza was an honorary name for his grandmother’s deceased baby brother.

Like every kid, Leon did not like his name, but he understood what it meant to his grandmother to have that name. At the young age of 11, Leon started working with his dad at a famous restaurant in Chicago named Italian Fiesta Pizzeria. Leon was ambitious and eager to learn! In 2006, Leon graduated from Bradwell Elementary School in Chicago, IL. In August 2007, the adjustment period was hard.

Leon did not understand why the family left Chicago to come here, to Cleveland, Ohio. The state that was a lot slower than the big city of Chicago. I always told them to give you a chance to live son. Chicago was getting really, really bad during those times and I didn’t want to face the troubling moment of why we are here today.

Leon attended high school here in Cleveland at Martin Luther King Jr High School. His proudest moment was in 2015, with the birth of his daughter, Ja’miyah. She put an extra sparkle in his eyes. He loved his daughter. He tried to be the best father he can be with the help of family and the blueprint of the relationship he had with his own dad. Things come full circle.

In 2023, he started working back side by side with his dad at Agmet Metals. Where he was well liked and a quick learner. The one on ones with him were priceless. Leonza is now joining his number one lady, his grandmother, Yvonne Washington. He is also leaving behind his only daughter, Ja’miyah; dad Reggie Anderson Sr.; Mother Nina Washington and stepmother Bridgette Ivy. 2 grandfathers, Willie Lee Washington and Herman Ferguson; Grandmother Patricia Anderson; 13 brothers and sisters (starting from the oldest to youngest), Darnell, Shanice, Cashmere, Reggie Jr., Devon, Reggion, Adriana, Emmanuel, Deonte, Jayvontay, Alayah, Alieya and Ivan. 5 nieces and 1 nephew. A host of uncles, Aunties and friends who he adore and love even after his life.