Jose “Pupa” Raymundo 08/29/1939 – 10/29/2024 Jose “Pupa” Raymundo beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend passed peacefully surrounded by all of those who loved him. He and his siblings were raised by a single mother. He grew up in Mexico City, with only a 3rd grade education and started working at the age of ten to contribute to his family. His entire life direction changed when he met Maria Guadalupe Sanchez, “Muma” in 1952. While delivering pressed clothes to an affluent home, Muma who was the maid, opened the door to his heart and became the love of his life for over 70 years. Married in 1956, this year they celebrated 68 years of marriage with the love of their entire family. Pupa was truly a family and diligent man often putting in 12 to 16 hour shifts six days a week to put food on the table for his immediate and extended family. In 1968, recognizing that his long hours were not enough to raise his family, he decided to migrate to Chicago. With only $56.00 dollars, which he borrowed, he made his voyage. Not knowing what to expect, Pupa relied on faith and the unconditional love and support of his family to travel North. Along his journey Pupa was aided by many angels, starting in Mexico City, with a gentleman (Mario). This angel, after having met Pupa for only a few minutes and listening to his plight, decided to assist him with his legal residency and a letter of recommendation to work in a factory in Chicago. In October of 1968, he arrived at the Greyhound station in downtown Chicago. Not knowing a word of English, he showed the letter to a taxi driver who took him directly to the factory and was hired on the spot earning $1.80/hour. That same day he met another angel (Toño a co-worker), who invited him to live with him and two other men. Toño, assisted him in settling in Chicago and helped him contact Muma 10 days after he left Mexico City. Pupa, once working, continued putting in long hours. In 1970 and 1972 he brought his beloved Muma and children respectively to Chicago’s Pilsen community. While in Chicago he continued to pay forward his many blessings, helping his siblings and friends migrate to Chicago and establish the Raymundo tribe that has grown into countless individuals. Several years later he became a supervisor and assisted many immigrants with employment opportunities in the same factory. He was constantly working overtime and his hourly pay eventually peaked at $12.40/hour. In 1992, he became a proud US citizen and was grateful for what this country offered him. He reluctantly retired when he was diagnosed with cancer in July 2001. He made the most of his retirement by beating cancer, traveling, reading, and having fun with family. Pupa’s favorite game, Rummikub, sparked his competitive nature, often playing for hours with anyone who challenged him, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed doing puzzles, carving wood figures and collecting miniature classical cars. Pupa often liked watching good soccer and boxing matches. Along with Muma, he treasured viewing Mexican films from its golden era (1950’s) and the History channel. His favorite dishes included a “Huachinango al Mojo de Ajo” (garlic red snapper) and Muma’s barbecue ribs. This past October 18, 2024, he celebrated 56 years of living in Chicago’s Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods. For decades Pupa lived a rich life full of godsends that mushroomed into many stories of giving back, modeling family values, respect, work ethic, responsibility, accountability, honesty, and integrity. He passed this along, not only to his children but to many family members, acquaintances, friends, neighbors etc. Pupa was a simple man who lived a rich and wonderful life who together with Muma made a big difference in this world directly and through all his offsprings. Pupa’s presence will be missed but his spirit and legacy will continue with the blessings he leaves behind and through the many people he touched. Pupa is survived by his loving wife, his six children, Nacho (Lala), Kike (Lupi), Ruben (Coco), Guadalupe, Raul (MariaLuisa), and Carmen (Pablo); 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and countless nieces, nephews and godchildren. Please join us in celebrating the life of Jose “Pupa” Raymundo, from 4 pm to 6 pm on Friday, November 8, 2024, at St. Pius V. 1919 S. Ashland. A celebration of life mass will follow at 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Pius V Catholic Church, the parish that welcomed Pupa and Muma and the entire Raymundo family in 1972 by clicking here:
Offer Condolence for the family of Jose Raymundo
Print Obituary & Condolences
Leave a Reply