Alberto J. “Joe” Cortez, age 74, peacefully went to be with our Lord on September 10, 2022 surrounded by his loving family at home in Selma, TX. He was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1948 to Luis Cortez and Melchora Telles. Alberto belonged to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Selma. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in February of 1968 and served in the Vietnam War. Alberto received a Purple Heart when he was wounded by the enemy. He was a lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, all in San Antonio, TX; and USMC Association and the American Legion.

Alberto retired from Chrysler, Perrysburg, OH in 2000 after 30 years of dedicated service. He loved music, especially conjunto music. Alberto was a drummer for several bands in Ohio. He loved to watch The Ohio State Buckeyes football and was also a fan of the Cleveland Browns, and San Antonio Spurs. Alberto was a constant jokester with an exceptional sense of humor making him easy to love and fun to be around. His smile, spirit and caring nature will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Juanita “Janie” who lovingly supported and cared for him physically during their last days together; son, Alberto (Angelina) Cortez, Jr.; daughters, Cristina (Joe) Villanueva, Marisela (Mark) Russell, and Dalia (Robert Taylor) Cortez; grandsons, Garett Cortez, Noah and Orlando Villanueva, Benjamin McVey, and Mauricio Russell; granddaughters, Ella Taylor, Olivia Cortez, Stephanie Madrid, Sidney, Sami and Sofie Taylor; brother, Luis (Sara) Cortez, Jr.; sisters, Velia (Joe) Serratos, Amelia (Steve) Salas, Irma (Tony Avila) Cortez and Lydia (Mario) Dias; brothers-in-law, David Hernandez, Roberto Rios, and Ricardo (Angie) Rios; sisters-in-law, Hilda Rodriguez, Lydia Franco, and Rosie Acosta; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his twin brother, Jesus; brothers, David and Rogelio Cortez; and sister, Oralia Hernandez.

The family will receive guests on Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home – Southwest Chapel, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo (419-381-1900) with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. that evening. Funeral Services will begin Friday, September 23, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park.

To watch Alberto's service via Live Stream, click here.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Disabled Veterans of America.

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