J. Antonio Rentas

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J. Antonio Rentas was born in Puerto Rico April 3, 1972. He was a creative, intelligent, and caring boy. He was so close to his mother Carmen Iris Pena to the point where he never left her side. He loved food, so at the first opportunity he had he learned to cook just like his Mami/Mamita. His mother's love is so indescribable. She has always protected him and loves her first born baby boy.

When his sister Leticia Andrade was born he was such an amazing big brother. He treated her like his doll. Always carrying for her and loving her. He cooked for her and even ate her food when Mami made 'liver and onions'. Mami would make Lety sit at the table unwillingly until she finished her food. Although, Mami never was aware that Lety's big brother would come to the rescue and help her eat her food in order for Mami to release her from the kitchen table. As they grew up they were two peas in a pod. Lety became his annoying little sister always wanting to hang out with him and his friends. He would dress Lety up at every opportunity. Halloween costumes were his specialty. His little sister has always been his biggest fan promoting him every chance she had.

When his nieces were born Elyza and Alyssa, he was the best uncle he could be. Always creating costumes and clothing for them. He made prom dresses and was the best make up artist. He connected with them in a special way. He was so proud of his girls and always did everything he could for them.

He was an award winning fashion designer and make up artist. Winning several Chicago Designer Awards. His make up and designs were so FABULOUS!! He was "Glam By Antonio"!!!

He absolutely loved his job at Renee Feldman Salon. He was so proud of the opportunity to work at a prestigious Gold Coast salon. He loved his coworkers and made several friends. He was always able to make friends anywhere he went.

So what happened?

Well, in December of 2015 Antonio had his right leg amputated. It started with a small cut on one of his toes on his right foot. It quickly became infected because of his Diabetes. He tried to self medicate the cut and did not go to the doctor. He started bleeding from his foot and his sister took him to the emergency room. It was so bad and gangrene that the medical staff had to act quickly in order to save his life. They gave Antonio no choice but to cut off his right leg to prevent the infection from spreading to his entire body.

Thursday, June 18, 2020 he called into work stating he was going into the emergency room because he stumped his left leg toe. Well he never went to the emergency room for his left foot. Antonio's BIGGEST FEAR was to go to the doctor again and get the same news as he did before. He did not want to get his left leg amputated and be a double amputee in a wheel chair.

He told his loved ones that he was fine. He spent time with his nieces that Thursday, June 18th. On Friday, June 19th he had scheduled to do makeup for his sister Leticia. They spent the morning catching up while he did her make up for her latest Real Estate Video Shoot. His sister asked specifically about both of his legs and how he was doing and he said "he was fine". Saturday, June 20th was the last communication he had with his mother. On Sunday morning, June 21st his eldest niece/god daughter Elyza and him went to get some groceries, all seemed fine. He also texted some of his friends on Sunday, June 21st and Monday, June 22nd. Tuesday, June 23rd His sister text him but never received a response. Wednesday night at 10:30 PM coworkers from the salon reached out to his sister via Facebook messenger showing their concerns for Antonio. They have been trying to reach him and it was very unlike him not to respond. His sister Leticia did not receive the messages until Thursday morning before going to work. She immediately reached out to her daughters Elyza and Alyssa for help to check on her brother. Things quickly escalated and extreme measures were taken to kick in his apartment door for a wellness check. And here we are!

Everyone that knew Antonio, knew he was a talented, charismatic, and loving soul! He was creative! He made things from scratch. He made visions come to life. He made ideas a reality. He will be missed by so many! His imprint on so many peoples lives is forever stamped on everyone that knows his heart.

Thank you for reading what is only a small portion of what Antonio's life was. I'm sure there are so many stories you can share. Please share your memories with Antonio. I'm sure his family will like to hear them all.

Let's HONOR Antonio and all who LOVED him and his family. Let's support and give whatever you can in their time of need!! Instead of what you will spend on flowers please donate what you can to his family.

Please stay tuned with more information about Antonio's funeral arrangements.

Thank you for reading!