Hector E. Cortes

Hector E. Cortes, 65, of East Hartford, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024, after a courageous fight with cancer. His loving family surrounded Hector as he made his peaceful transition. Born in Risaralda, Caldas, Colombia on October 24, 1958, Hector was not just the oldest of eight siblings, but also a guiding light in their lives. He was raised amongst the beautiful landscapes of Colombia, surrounded by his large and close-knit family. In 1981, he ventured to Connecticut, where he would meet the love of his life, Emilse Ballestas. Together, they celebrated 39 years full of adoration, adventure and experienced the joys of raising their two beloved children, Kayla and Steve. Hector’s leadership was evident in his devotion to his family, and his love was expressed through the hard work and dedication he provided in his everyday life. Leading by example, Hector helped facilitate the journey of many of his loved ones to North America.

Hector's talent as a mechanical assembler wasn't just a job; it was an extension of his boundless energy. His skills roared to life at Becon Incorporated, an engineering and manufacturing firm, where he thrived for 30 years and became one of the two Lead Fabricators. Hector forged friendships as strong as the steel he shaped. His influence was not limited to his family; many of his co-workers became lifelong friends, a testament to his impact in the workplace.

But Hector wasn't just a master craftsman or a devoted father; he was a whirlwind of joy. Hector was loved dearly by those who knew him. When he walked into a room, you were met with a cheerful and contagious smile. He was always quick to crack a joke if it meant that you shared a good laugh. If the music was playing and the drinks were flowing, he would become the center of attention by engaging in a silly dance. To know him was to love him; he was always happy, relaxed, and going with the flow. Very little stressed him out, and he quickly shifted his attention to the good things in his life. A heart full of extensive love and gratitude.

Hector’s love extended beyond his family and work. He had a passion for caring for his home, particularly his lawn, which he tended to on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Hector was also an avid soccer fan, and if his favorite teams were playing on the television, other plans were quickly forgotten. He enjoyed watching Animal Planet and dreamed of venturing to a country where he could be among some wild ones. Hector’s weekends were often spent running errands with his wife, even if that meant he was the patient driver waiting in the car.

Hector was his children's rock, his unwavering support was the foundation on which they built their dreams. He instilled in them his work ethic, the untamed fire of his humor, and his fearless spirit. A legacy that will forever burn bright within them, an unstoppable force they carry forward.

Hector leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and cherished memories. He is survived by his loving mother and father, Elias Cortes and Miriam Montoya, with whom he had the pleasure of visiting with before his departure. His beloved wife, Emilse Ballestas. His adored children, Kayla and Steve Cortes. His cherished step-daughter Irma Olave, and two grandchildren, Ricky and Alyzah Lopez. His caring and devoted siblings, with whom he had a beautiful relationship, Amanda, Orbilia, Carlos, Arnolia, Aurelio, Nestor, and Nancy Cortes. Hector leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers.

Hector’s family is deeply saddened by losing such a brilliant, charismatic, and loving man. Yet they are held up in strength by the essence that Hector imprinted on each of their lives. His peaceful, generous, and kind spirit is admirable and something we all hope to embody.

Family and friends are welcome to join Hector’s family on Friday, May 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel at 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Hector on Saturday, June 1, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, 17 Wickham Road, Glastonbury. To share a memory of Hector or to leave a message for his family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com

Héctor, de 65 años, residente de Connecticut, falleció el sábado 25 de mayo de 2024, tras una valiente batalla contra el cáncer. Su querida familia estuvo presente para acompañarlo en su transición pacífica. Nacido en Risaralda, Caldas, Colombia, el 24 de octubre de 1958, Héctor no solo fue el mayor de ocho hermanos, sino también un faro de luz en sus vidas. Creció rodeado de los hermosos paisajes de Colombia y el amor de su extensa familia. En 1981, decidió aventurarse a Connecticut, donde encontraría el amor de su vida, Emilse Ballestas. Juntos, compartieron 39 años llenos de amor y aventuras, criando a sus dos preciosos hijos, Kayla y Stevie. La pasión de Héctor se manifestaba en su dedicación a su familia y su trabajo incansable para brindarles una vida mejor. Su ejemplo inspiró a muchos de sus seres queridos a emprender el viaje hacia los Estados Unidos en busca de nuevos horizontes.

La dedicación de Héctor no se limitaba a su familia. Inició su carrera como ensamblador mecánico y se destacó como uno de los mejores soldadores. Su habilidad y dedicación lo llevaron a la empresa de ingeniería y fabricación Becon Incorporated en Bloomfield, Connecticut, donde trabajó durante 30 años, convirtiéndose en uno de los dos fabricadores líderes de la empresa. Su liderazgo, e influencia trascendió las fronteras del ámbito laboral, convirtiendo a muchos de sus compañeros en amigos de toda la vida.

Héctor irradiaba alegría y risas. Su sonrisa contagiosa iluminaba cualquier lugar y siempre tenía un chiste o una anécdota para compartir. Si la música comenzaba a sonar, él no dudaba en tomar el centro del escenario con sus divertidos movimientos de baile. Conocer a Héctor era amarlo; su espíritu alegre y despreocupado era simplemente encantador. Su corazón rebosaba amor y gratitud, y su optimismo era contagioso.

Su amor por su familia y su hogar era evidente en cada acción. Disfrutaba cuidando su patio los sábados por la tarde. Era un fanático del fútbol y no había partido de sus equipos favoritos que se perdiera. También le gustaba ver el canal planeta de animales y soñaba con visitar países exóticos para estar cerca de la vida salvaje. Los fines de semana los pasaba haciendo diligencias con su esposa Emilse, aunque eso significara esperar pacientemente en el carro. Su relación con sus hijos era inquebrantable; siempre estaban seguros de contar con su apoyo y amor incondicional.

Héctor deja un legado perdurable de amor y recuerdos preciosos. Le sobreviven sus amados padres, Elías Cortes y Miriam Montoya, con quienes tuvo la oportunidad de compartir momentos antes de su partida. También deja a su querida esposa, Emilse Ballestas, sus adorados hijos, Kayla y Stevie, su estimada hijastra, Irma y dos nietos, Ricky y Alizah. Sus hermanos, Amanda, Orbilia, Carlos, Arnolia, Aurelio, Néstor y Nancy Cortes muchos sobrinos, sobrinas, primos, amigos y compañeros de trabajo también lamentan profundamente su pérdida.

La familia de Héctor está desconsolada por la partida de este hombre brillante, carismático y amoroso. Sin embargo, encuentran consuelo en el legado de amor y bondad que dejó en sus vidas. Su espíritu generoso y amable seguirá vivo en los corazones de quienes lo conocieron.

La familia agradece sinceramente todo el apoyo y las condolencias recibidas durante estos momentos difíciles.