Humberto J. Enriquez Jr.

Son of Mary Enriquez (Jackson), and Humberto J. Enriquez, Sr., he was born April 15, 1958, in Chicago, IL. He was the eldest of four brothers, Reno, Rich, and Michael. He grew up in the Pilsen neighborhood where his parents owned and managed a bar just one block away from his home on Loomis Street. Humberto was known for running the streets and being chased by his mother when getting caught ditching school. And, it was on 18th Street where he began to expand his brotherhood and became a brother and great friend to so many. He no sooner met Maria G. Enriquez (Vargas) and they began their life story together. They, along with their five children, traveled the world and created the best of memories, whether they were laughing at his corny sense of humor at the dinner table or rehashing life tales he had shared dozens of times before. He joined the Cook County Sheriff’s Department in 1987 where he’d spend the next 33 years working hard and continuing to build his brotherhood to include hundreds of close friends and extended-family members. He ran “the boulevard” in Division One and was affectionately dubbed the “HMIC” or Head Mexican In Charge. His family and friend ties didn’t stop growing there. Humberto reunited with an early-life love, Harley Davidson, and his two wheels led him to even more brothers. He and his riding buddies traveled many miles together and laughed along the whole way. Simply put, he was a man’s man, and a stand-up guy in every regard. His family grew to include five grandchildren whom he loved with all he had to love; they were his world and could make him smile like no other.

He was preceded to heaven by his daughter (Adriana), mother (Mary) and father (Humberto Sr.), and two of his brothers (Reno and Michael). He is survived by his wife (Maria); their children: Monica, Jessica (Michael DeCola), Laura (Richard Bertalmio), and Humberto (Melanie); their grandchildren: Adriana, Asher, Michael, Vivian, and Amelia; his brother Rich, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Humberto was a deeply beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His passing was quiet and he was surrounded by his family while his favorite jazz record played in the background. It was as he would have wanted it to be.

We invite you all to share pictures or memories. It was his wish that we laugh and reminisce and smile together during this time.

A visitation for Humberto will be held on Sunday January 19 from 4 PM to 8 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home 7750 W. Cermak Rd., Forest Park. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday January 20, 10 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church / St. Paul VI Parish, 105 Herrick Rd., Riverside. Interment will take place privately at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside.

“When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him lies on the paths of men.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Loyola Hospital Greatest Needs of Neurology Department in honor of Humberto J. Enriquez. “Our Hero” -Dr. Jigisha Paresh Thakkur, MD.

For more information please call (708) 442-8500.