Felimon G. Cortez, 85, passed away Friday (March 28, 2025) at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, a city that held a special significance as his gateway to a new life in America. He died just 4 miles from where his American journey began, a poignant echo of a long and remarkable life.
Born July 7, 1939, as one of 11 children of Clemente and Cristina (Gedorio) Cortez, Felimon grew up among the lush landscapes of La Castellana, Negros Occidental, Philippines. His early life was shaped by the rhythms of the family’s acres of sugarcane fields and the harrowing realities of World War II. He carried the memories of his family’s escape from the Japanese army, hiding amidst the tall stalks of sugarcane, as violence swept through his village.
He was the last surviving member of that large, close-knit family, often noting in a bittersweet tone that he was “the last one standing” among his siblings, Nelly, Francisco, Nancy, Clemente Jr., Fermina, Guillermo, Rodolfo, Thelma, Valentino and Sol.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Andrea, who passed away in 2014.
In the Philippines, Felimon worked as a teacher, nurturing young minds in the art of agriculture. But his life took a different turn when he immigrated to the U.S., where he embraced various roles in Chicago and Champaign, and dedicated himself to supporting his beloved wife, Andrea, and shared her vision of helping fellow Filipinos navigate to a new life in America.
Andrea, a vibrant force in the Filipino community, was the center of Felimon’s universe — and her personality counterbalance. He provided Andrea with a steadfast anchor. Where she was fiery and direct, he was calm and level-headed. Because Andrea hadn’t learned to drive, Felimon drove her everywhere. He patiently navigated Chicago’s local streets in the family’s 1970s-era station wagon to avoid the interstates that so frightened her, then waited for her to finish her classes at a local college.
Felimon’s love extended to his sons, Victor (married to Kim) and Filand (married to Vicky), and grandchildren, Teagan, Willa, Orion, Andreas and Theo. He instilled in them the importance of family, teaching them to honor and cherish their wives and children.
His home was a place of warmth and welcome. “Did you eat, yet?” was his constant refrain, a testament to his innate hospitality. He could make anything grow in his garden, even the elusive Calamansi fruit, a familiar taste from the Philippines that typically struggled in the harsh Illinois climate. His smile, infectious and genuine, eased any tension, and his characteristic dad jokes brought laughter to even the most somber moments.
Felimon was a patient teacher, teaching various family and friends, his sons and, eventually, Andrea in her 50s how to drive. He also introduced his sons to boxing, creating a shared passion that culminated in raucous fight nights to watch Filipino hero Manny Pacquiao, where they were joined by many members of the local Filipino community.
His quiet strength was evident in his unwavering support of Andrea and in his determination to face his health challenges with grace and humor. He was a fighter, not in the boxing ring, but in the quiet battles of life.
Felimon G. Cortez leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience and unwavering kindness. He will be deeply missed by his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and the many lives he touched.
Visitation will be at Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm St., Champaign, on Friday, April 4, at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1303 Lincolnshire Drive, Champaign, with burial to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.