Enrique Cortez

Papi Enrique Cortez was abruptly called home to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ surrounded by his loving family and close friends at 09:47 a.m. Enrique was known by names such as Kiko, Henry, Dad, and Tio, but mostly his family and close friends knew him as Papi. He was born in Veracruz, Veracruz Mexico on August 17, 1955. Enrique came to Arizona in 1972 with his father and siblings Leonor, Olivia, Maria and younger brother David. Enrique attended and graduated from Mesa High School in 1974, shortly after which he met his future wife of 41 years, Josefina Gutierrez. Enrique is preceded in death by his father Leoncio Enrique, mother Ambrosia, sister Leonor, and brother David. Enrique is survived by his wife Josefina and their three children: Carolina, Enrique Jr., and Eric - all of whom are deeply saddened over the sudden loss of their beloved Papi. Enrique has 5 grandchildren: Danniela Briseno, Nicholas Briseno, Victoria Alires, Lolanikole Alires, and Lorenzo Alires. Papi was an exemplary father, grandfather, husband, uncle and friend. He was hardworking, loving, and had a great sense of humor. He always kept his family smiling. Even though later in life Enrique battled with physical afflictions, he never let it slow him down. Whether it was camping, target practicing, visiting relatives in Mexico, or going on the annual Cortez Family trek to Disneyland, Enrique always dedicated his time to his loved ones. Although his physical presence will be immeasurably missed, Papi will live on in all our hearts forever, and one day be reunited again with his family for time and all eternity.