Roy Cortez

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Roy Cortez, who departed this life on October 20, 2026, at the age of 62. Though our hearts are broken by his loss, we find comfort in the memories he leaves behind, the family he loved so deeply, and the countless lives he touched throughout his journey.

Roy was born and raised in “The Bush”, a neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago that helped shape the man he would become. In 1985, he moved to San Antonio, Texas, and later made his home in Raytown, Missouri, where he resided for the last 26 years of his life.

Roy took great pride in his work and spent nearly two decades working as a painter for Copaken Brooks. He genuinely loved what he did. To Roy, the relationships formed throughout life were just as meaningful as the work itself, and the people who had the privilege of knowing him became part of his story.

A proud Chicagoan at heart, Roy was a devoted fan of his Chicago sports teams, especially his Chicago Bears. Although he eventually called Missouri home, his Chicago loyalty never faded. He would root for the Kansas City Chiefs, but only when they weren’t playing his Bears! That unwavering team spirit was just one of the many things that made Roy uniquely himself.

Above all else, Roy was a family man. His family was his heart, his purpose, and one of the greatest blessings of his life. The love he shared with his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family and friends was a bond that distance could never weaken and time could never erase. His life was woven into the lives of so many, and the love he gave will continue to live on through every person who was fortunate enough to call him family.

Some people leave this world, but their presence never truly leaves us. They remain in the stories we tell, the laughter we remember, the traditions we carry on, and the love that stays with us long after they are gone. Roy was one of those people. His passing leaves an emptiness that words cannot fully describe, but his life leaves behind a legacy of love that death can never take away.

Roy was the loving husband of Susanne Cortez (Rodriguez) and a beloved father to Danny, Stella (Edwin), Roy Jr., Erica, Raymond (Lilit), Roni, Nick (Mayloni), and Joe.

He was also a cherished grandfather to Gia, Rito, Audry, Lily, Riyanna, Ryaiah, AJ, Amar’e, Bella, Nick, Edwin, Roy, Cai, Valentina, RJ, Aquilo, and Atlas. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and the memories, love, and family bonds they shared with him will forever remain a treasured part of his legacy.

Roy is also survived by his loving siblings, Chuco Cortez, Roxie (John) Samora, and Maggie (Emilio) Martinez; his aunt, Hope Garcia; and many other family members, and dear loved ones who will continue to carry his memory in their hearts.

Roy was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Stella G. Cortez; his father, Raymond O. Cortez; his sisters, Connie Cerda (the late Eddie), Renee Garcia (Rich), and Nina Martinez; his niece, Dreama Garcia; his nephew, Nick Cerda; his granddaughter, Malyssa Medellin; and his beloved pets, Pati and Dutchess, along with many other cherished loved ones who went before him.

Though these loved ones are no longer physically present, their memories remain a part of Roy’s story. We find comfort in imagining him reunited with those he missed, embraced once again by the family and loved ones who welcomed him home.

Losing someone we love reminds us just how precious life is and how deeply one person’s presence can shape an entire family. Roy’s passing leaves behind a void that cannot be filled, a silence where his presence once brought comfort, and a longing for the moments we can no longer share with him. There will be days when the pain of missing him feels overwhelming, when a memory brings tears to our eyes, and when we wish more than anything that we could have just one more conversation, one more laugh, or one more moment together.

But even in our deepest grief, we are reminded that love does not end when life does. It continues in the lessons he taught, the memories he created, the family he helped shape, and the generations who will carry his name and remember the man he was. Every story shared about Roy, every family gathering where his name is spoken, and every memory that brings both laughter and tears will keep a part of him close.

Roy’s life was about more than the years he spent on this earth. It was about the people he loved, the relationships he built, the work he took pride in, and the family that meant everything to him. His journey touched many lives, and the love he gave will continue to ripple through his family for generations to come.

Though our hearts ache because we must say goodbye, we are forever grateful that we had the privilege of loving him and being loved by him. We will carry him with us in the quiet moments, in the stories passed down through the family, in the traditions that continue, and in the love that binds us together. His physical presence may be gone, but his place in our hearts will never be taken away.

Rest peacefully, Roy Cortez. May you find eternal peace and be reunited with the loved ones who went before you. May your wife find comfort in the love you shared, your children find strength in the memories you created together, your grandchildren grow up knowing how deeply they were loved, and your entire family find peace in one another during this difficult time.

You were loved more than words could ever express, and you will be missed more than words could ever explain. Your life mattered, your love made a difference, and your memory will live on in every heart you touched.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our family. Forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 from 12:30-3:00pm at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd. Raytown, MO 64133. Funeral mass will be held after the visitation starting at 4:00pm at St. John Francis Regis Parish, 8941 James A Reed Rd, Kansas City, MO 64138.

Memorial contributions are suggested to: the American Cancer Society.