Luis Mercado

December 25, 1935 – July 12, 2025

Luis Mercado, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 89. Born on Christmas Day in 1935 in Manatí, Puerto Rico, Luis was the cherished son of Eduardo and Nieves Mercado.

From a young age, Luis understood the value of hard work. As a teenager in Puerto Rico, he worked in the sugar cane fields, laying the foundation for a life marked by perseverance and quiet strength. At the age of 23, he and his young bride, Clara Isabel—then just 18—moved to the United States to start a new chapter. Chicago became their home, where they lived and loved for over six decades.

Luis was a humble and soft-spoken man who found joy in his home and in the presence of his family. He was a devoted provider and a deeply loving husband and father. He truly adored his wife and children, and his quiet dedication was a constant source of strength for those around him.

An inventive spirit, Luis enjoyed tinkering and creating practical tools—especially for his wife in the kitchen. If he saw a gadget on television, he would smile and say, “I can make that”—and he always did. His resourcefulness and creativity reflected both his deep love for his family and his determination to be helpful in every way he could.

Luis was the loving husband of 66 years to Clara Isabel, and the proud father of four devoted children: Louis, Elba (Wilton), Maria, and Anita. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Christina, Kathryn, Veronica, Tamara (James), Delilah (Danny), Miezel, Jorge, Nick, and Luis; and his great-grandchildren: Kamila, Vincenzo, Christian, Nora, and Ayden.

Though he lived a quiet life, Luis’s love was constant and enduring. His strength, ingenuity, and tender devotion to his family will be remembered always.