Jose E. Correa

Jose Ernesto Correa, 74, of Aurora Illinois, passed away on July 28, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Jose was born on June 8, 1946 in Camuy, Puerto Rico to Alejandro and Maria (Galan) Correa. Jose is survived by his children; Rosalinda Corral (Jaime Gomez), Jose Alejandro Correa, (Raquel Rodriguez Correa), Mariana Correa, (Ricardo Astorga) and Hermilo Correa (Luciana Esquivel), 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His beautiful wife, Maria Modesta Correa, and brother precede him in death in law Nicolas Valenzuela. Jose lost his mother when he was only twelve years old, but he did not let that deter him from living his life to the fullest. Jose worked hard cutting sugar cane in the fields of Camuy. Once he saved enough money, he began looking for his permanent home and landed in Aurora, Illinois. Once in Aurora, he started working at Nabisco (would always bring cereal home for the kids). Not too long after his friendship with his coworker Nicolas Valenzuela, future brother in law, led him to meeting the love of his life, Modesta Valenzuela Correa.
Quickly they knew it was meant to be, and on August 26, 1977, they were married
and started their family, a family Jose had always yearned for.
  Jose worked hard throughout his life to provide not only for his family, but also for anyone in need, for he knew all too well the hardships one can be dealt, and the importance of giving and not just receiving. All whilst never asking for anything in return.
  Playing lottery was his hobby ( even though he spent more than he won), making Puerto Rican food was his passion and talent (nobody likes soggy rice), and having his daily cup of coffee, sometimes two, was his only request .
Jose retired in 2001, ready to enjoy some rest and relaxation. Unfortunately, within a couple years he suffered a major stroke. After miraculously surviving his stroke, he was diagnosed with dementia 3 years later.  Nonetheless, Jose refused to let dementia define him, he continued to live his best life possible, and enjoyed every day God blessed him with.
  After losing his wife in 2014, Jose lived in his home for 3 years and spent his last 3 years living with his eldest son Alex and his family. Dementia may have took his independence, but it could not take away his beautiful smile, loving heart and his unique sense of humor that he held onto and fought for until the end. 
   The Correa family would like to thank Devine hospice and palliative care, especially his nurse Danny. They would also like to thank his previous nurse and friend, Brandi Nic. It takes people with golden hearts to do what you do and our family will always be grateful for you. 

Family will be receiving guests on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dieterle Memorial Home, 1120 S. Broadway Ave. Montgomery, IL 60538.  Due to current restrictions a private Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at St. Therese Catholic Church. A private burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Aurora, IL.

Please wear a mask when entering the funeral home and please practice social distancing guidelines.