By Miriam Raftery

January 1, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) -- Our region lost leaders in many fields during 2025 – two tribal chairmen, La Mesa’s long-serving Mayor, a Chaldean bishop, a Padres pitching star, a Lemon Grove Councilman,  a Congressman and ex-military hero, a San Diego Mayor and ex-Congressman, a high school superintendent, founders of local businesses, a journalist and community planning group chair, and a retired county treasurer/tax assessor. All had impacts on our region, and their memories live on.

Read highlights of their lives and legacies below, or click the names to read their full obituaries.