Jesus Matos Jr.

October 19, 1947 – June 24, 2025

On behalf of our family, thank you for being here with us today to celebrate and honor the life of Jesus Matos, known lovingly to most of us as Jesse Matos.

Jesse was born on October 19, 1947, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Jesus and Cristina Matos. He was the second oldest of nine children and grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and faith that would shape the course of his life. On June 24, 2025, Jesse passed away peacefully in Itasca, Illinois, surrounded by his loving family.

From a young age, Jesse displayed a dependable and steady spirit. He had a quiet strength that offered comfort, direction, and assurance to those around him. He was a man of deep principle, unwavering character, and above all, profound love—for God, for his wife, and for his family.

Jesse is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Maria Milagros Matos—affectionately known as Millie. Their marriage was a beautiful testimony of lifelong love, patience, and unwavering partnership.

He also leaves behind his devoted daughter, Darcy Marie Corcino, and son-in-law, Juan Corcino, along with three grandchildren he adored: Jayden Alexander, Kiara Lynn, and Karina Marie Corcino. To his grandchildren: your grandfather loved you deeply. You brought him joy, laughter, and pride. You are his living legacy—may his strength, values, and faith continue through you.

Jesse is also survived by his loving siblings: Norma (late Juan Jr.) Reyes, Antonio Matos, Jose (Lilly) Matos, Luisita (Angel) Collazo, David (Janice) Matos, and Nereida (Edwin) Matos Torres. He was preceded in death by his cherished siblings, Lurdes Ruiz and Israel Matos.

A man of many talents, Jesse had a passion for cars—especially his bright yellow Corvette, which he was so proud of. That car wasn’t just a vehicle—it was a reflection of who he was: bold, classic, and full of heart.

Jesse proudly served in the United States Army, and he carried that same sense of discipline and integrity throughout his life. He didn’t just serve his country—he served his family, his community, and his Lord with quiet dedication and humility.

He was incredibly skilled with his hands. Jesse could build or fix anything. Whether remodeling a home, designing a landscape, or constructing something from scratch, he did it all with care, creativity, and excellence. His craftsmanship was more than talent—it was love expressed through work.

Professionally, Jesse worked as a heavy crane operator, a job requiring strength, precision, and focus—traits that defined him in every aspect of life. He worked hard, remained humble, and never sought praise, believing that doing the job right was reward enough.

Jesse was, and will always be, a man of deep and unwavering faith. A devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, a skilled and dedicated worker—he was a quiet giant whose strength spoke through his humility.

He lived his beliefs not with words, but with the steady conviction of his daily actions. Jesse’s faith was evident in the way he loved, the way he endured, and the way he treated others—with grace, patience, and kindness. He embodied the words of 2 Timothy 4:7:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that Jesse now rests in the eternal peace of the Lord he served so faithfully. May we honor his legacy by living with the same devotion, humility, and love that he showed each and every day.