Enrique A. Urbina

A reception honoring Enrique’s memory will be held on Monday, June 15th from 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM at the Eleanor Murkey Community Center of College of Lake County, 34 N Sheridan Rd

Waukegan, IL 60085.

Enrique Urbina was born in Juticalpa, Honduras in 1934. He learned many skills while in Honduras, graduated from college and worked as a surveyor. It is also where he met his devoted wife of 67 years, Rosario Zelaya. They had three boys, Enrique, Francisco and Mario while in Honduras. In 1962, without having knowledge of the English language, Enrique made the courageous decision to travel to the United States. In 1964 he was able to send for his family and they settled in Waukegan, IL.

Enrique and his family were one of the original families from Honduras that found Waukegan as their home, and he assisted several others that also chose to follow him to do the same. He opened his family’s home and provided them with room and board until they were established. Most certainly through his generosity and willingness to help others, he helped Waukegan become known as “Little Honduras”. He also helped organize the Honduran Association of Waukegan and was their president for several years.

Enrique was a dedicated hard worker at American Concrete Co. where he was a welder fabricating large steel highway light poles for several years before the plant relocated out of state. Enrique then took on a position with Cherry Electric, where his wife, Rosario, also worked. His hard work ethic, family commitment and sacrifices became embedded not only in the hearts of his three sons but also all those that knew him.

Upon retiring in 1998, Enrique built his dream retirement home not far from where he grew up in Honduras. For several years Enrique and Rosario returned to Honduras enjoying their retirement with friends and family. He loved the natural settings of Honduras, often reminiscing on his wonderful times growing up, swimming in the Guayape River, and riding horses with his friends.

Enrique loved Waukegan; he enjoyed going to the parks or the beach to picnic with family and friends and eating at his favorite local restaurants. Enrique enjoyed playing cards, billiards, fishing and camping. When fishing, it seemed he would always catch lots of Bluegills while no one else was catching anything.

He also could often be found watching his favorite Chicago sports teams: the Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks, the Sky, and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini teams.

Even though Enrique worked hard and was often tired, he enjoyed his life and making others smile with his antics. At times he would shake a Tabasco bottle over someone’s plate with the cap still on. When playing billiards, he would try to jinx everyone’s shot. When asked what he wanted to drink, he would always say “whisky” even though he stopped drinking many years prior. Enrique’s legacy is truly remarkable.

Enrique enjoyed a full life. He never sought out fame or fortune; his riches were seen in his proud smiling face each and every time he would hug his granddaughters and great grandson or each time, he would introduce his sons to someone. His greatest joy was his grandchildren. He looked forward to every minute with them and was so comforted by their love.

Enrique will be deeply missed by his loving family, relatives and the many friends he has made throughout his wonderful journey of life.

This saying was provided by a friend of the family in remembering Enrique…. “El valor de un hombre se mide por cómo crío a sus hijos, amó a su familia e impactó al mundo. Por esas medidas, Enrique era un hombre verdaderamente grande.”

He is survived by his wife, Rosario Zelaya Urbina; children Enrique Urbina (Maureen), Francisco Urbina (Susan) and Mario Urbina (Lisa); grandchildren Erica, Marisa, Mina, Brianna and Emily; and great-grandchild, Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his parents Enrique Urbina and Elena Oliva, and sisters Guillermina Oliva and Brunilda Alvarez.

Interment to be private at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL.