Juan Jose Guerra

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Juan Jose Guerra, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on January 23, 2025, in the company of his loving wife Melba. Juan’s warmth, humor, and infinite faith touched the lives of all who knew him.

Born in La Libertad, Nicaragua, on January 15, 1931, Juan was the son of Jose Antonio Guerra and Melida Blandino Guerra. He grew up in a devout Catholic family and carried his faith with him throughout his life, studying theology and living a life of service and devotion. Juan was especially passionate about his devotion to The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy and Our Lady of Fatima.

Juan was a proud graduate of The Central American Jesuit School in Granada, Nicaragua, and later earned an MBA at Loyola University, UCA in Managua Nicaragua. Juan owned and ran “La Chontaleña”, a successful butter factory in Nicaragua. He was an entrepreneur who owned various establishments and institutions throughout his life.

Beyond his career, Juan was a devoted family man. At 28 years old, he met the love of his life Melba Morales, and in 1959 they were married in Managua at the Santa Domingo Church. Together, they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage, raising four children: Melba Marina, Maria Concepcion, Jose Javier, and Regina Del Carmen; 11 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. He found immense joy in their company, always eager to share his love of Jesus with them.

Juan’s friends and family will remember him for his infectious laugh, his unwavering faith, his shenanigans, and the beautiful way he would sing to his wife. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, where he volunteered for over 70 plus years, offering his time and resources to those in need. He was also a lover of tango, singing, and dancing, often singing a little too loudly during Mass.

Juan is survived by his wife of 65 years, Melba Guerra; daughter, Melba Cortez; daughter, Maria (Gary) Grush; son, Jose (Ann) Guerra; daughter, Regina (Vince) Cotroneo; grandchildren, Regina (Conrad) Adams; Nelson Jr. (Rebecca) Cortes; Jordan (Bree) Grush; Andrew Grush; Bridgette Guerra; Bella (Thad) Friess; Michael Guerra; Kristana Guerra; Victoria (Seth) Krajewski; Katerina Cotroneo; Christian Joseph Cotroneo; his sisters, Conchita Arana, Lygia Olivera, and Sarita Zamora; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his many loving siblings: Jose Antonio Guerra, Carlos Guerra, Wilfredo Guerra, Melida Lacayo, Alba Marina Guerra, Maria Auxiliadora Guerra, Mario Guerra, Rene Guerra, Consuelo Guerra, Julio Cesar Guerra, his son-in-law Nelson Cortes, and his parents, Jose Antonio Guerra and Melida Blandino Guerra.

A celebration of Juan’s life will be held at Emmaus Catholic Church on February 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM. A reception in the Great Hall will follow. Juan’s legacy of faith, kindness, humility, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will remain a guiding light for those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.