Leopoldo Habon Cortez

November 15, 1922 – April 15, 2022

He lived by these passages:

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”

1Corinthians 10:31

“The Lord is my Shepherd”….Psalm 23

“Praise the Lord, Alleluia” is his daily devotional expression of Love and Gratitude to God.

Age 99, born on November 15, 1922 in Cabaritan Santa Lucia, Ilocus, Sur, Philippines. He was a resident of Kahului, Maui, Hawaii for 44 years. He died peacefully at home under Hospice care surrounded by his loving Family, both in-person and virtually on Good Friday, April 15. His Family witnessed his spiritual strength at his final hour when he took his last breath uttering his last word, “Alleluia”.

Dad was a prayerful and faithful man of God who was a parishioner of Christ the King Church for 42 years attending daily mass. He devoted his time praying the rosary and reading his Bible daily. Dad volunteered his time on Saturdays cleaning our Church.

Dad served our Country during World War II and earned his purple heart. He graduated from Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines with a bachelor’s degree in Education. He was a teacher for more than 20 years at Juan Nolasco High School in Manila, Philippines as Health and Physical Education Instructor and CATS (Combined Arms Training Strategy) Instructor. He also taught at the College of Christ the King in Manila, Philippines.

Dad married the love of his life, Zenaida Wi Cortez and they were married for over 51 years. They were blessed with 5 children, Henedina, Marilyn, Ester, Ferdinand and Rosalinda. They moved to Hawaii on May 7, 1978. After moving to Maui, Dad held 3 jobs. He worked at Intercontinental Hotel as a Steward, Security Guard for Wackenhut Security and as a Maintenance worker at Liberty House.

Dad retired in 1988 from work. He kept himself busy helping take care of his Grandchildren. Dad enjoyed every minute of it. He is an avid sports fan of boxing, tennis, basketball, track and field and volleyball. He participated in track and field, arm wrestling, table tennis, volleyball, and badminton. Dad is a talented strategi chess player. He loved ballroom and folk dancing and was a graceful dancer.

He was married to his loving wife for 51 years, Zenaida Wi Cortez. Dad is survived by daughters, Henedina (Mario) Parilla, Marilyn Mercado, Ester (Mark) Felipe, Rosalinda (Lawrence, Jr) Inamasu, Son, Ferdinand (Kimberly) Cortez, Sister, Magdalena Sanchez

Grandchildren, Diane Breske, Denise Hammersla, Darlene Montgomery, Destiny Parilla, Angel Mercado, Barton, Nolan and Jaimelee Felipe, Marisol Casil, Cameron & Sheldon Canales, Kristy, Jordan & Anisha Inamasu

Great-Grandchildren, Malia Breske, Atlas, Apollo, Adonis Montgomery, Dallas Slane Casil, Destyni Canales, Levi & Lawson Inamasu, Alaysha & Aliyah Gomez-Poland.

Church Services will be held at Christ the King Church in Kahului, Maui, Hawaii from 9am-11am, followed by Mass at 11am, final viewing 12-1pm.

Church service in California will be held on Monday, May 9th at St. Frances of Rome in Wildomar, California. Followed by his burial at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.