With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Donald E. Cortez on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Donald was the beloved husband of Sylvia. Loving father of John, Donald (Jeanne), Lisa (Michael) Grzelak, Lynette (Rich) Herrera, Monica (Louie), and Erica (Gary). Proud grandfather of Christina (Oscar), Alyssa, Julien, Manuel, Ricky, Andrea, and Donald. Great-grandfather of Cecelia and Claire. Cherished son of the late Juan Sebastian and Marie Cortez.
Donald was preceded in death by all of his siblings and their spouses: Maxine (Santiago) Quiroz, Eleanor Cortez, Dorothy (Conrad) Gomez, Christine (Rigoberto) Navarro, and Linda Cortez. He will be dearly remembered by his many nieces and nephews.
Throughout his life, Donald embodied the values of hard work, honesty, and compassion. He instilled in his children and grandchildren qualities of kindness, integrity, and generosity that they will carry with them forever. His absence is a silent grief; his life, a beautiful memory.
Donald was a member of Plumbers Local 130 from March 1968 until his retirement in 2018. He was also a dedicated member of Settlers SAC and the Mary McDowell Settlement Alumni Association (MMSAA).
Visitation will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th Street just west of Harlem). Visitation will continue Saturday at the funeral home from 7:30 a.m. until time of Prayers at 8:45 a.m.
Procession will follow to Blessed Sacrament Church, 3745 S. Paulina St., Chicago, IL, for a 9:30 a.m. Mass.
Interment will take place at St. Mary Cemetery.