Jose Bahena

Jose Bahena obituary, Chicago, IL

Jose Bahena

Jose Bahena Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Lakeview Funeral Home - Chicago on Oct. 1, 2025.
With deep love and sadness, we announce the passing of Jose Bahena, who departed this world on September 23, 2025, at the age of 85.
Born on May 14, 1940, in San Antonio del Rosario, Edo. de Mexico, Jose lived a life defined by strength, sacrifice, and unwavering love for his family. Little known fact, he was the film cutter or joiner for all the movies for various major Hollywood movie studios. These movies were shown all across Mexico's movie theaters. And yet in pursuit of a better life and greater opportunities, in the mid-70s he immigrated to Chicago, Illinois, where he worked tirelessly for various decades to support and build a future for his loved ones. He retired at the young age of 76 in 2016.
Jose was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Maria Bahena, and a proud father to five children: Raul (Agustina), Rodolfo, Leticia (Carlos), Sergio (AnnMarie), and Javier Bahena (Maricela) and 11 beautiful grandchildren: Joseph, Claudia, Brianna, Tavia, Chrisanty, Cristian, Joshua, Carolina, Melina, Scarlet, and Noah. His legacy lives on not only in them but also in the many lives he touched as a cherished son, brother, cousin, uncle and friend.
In his final weeks, Jose returned to his homeland of Mexico, where he spent his days surrounded by the warmth of family and the beauty of the place that first shaped him. It was there, among his roots and surrounded by love, that our Señor en Cristo Jesús, called upon him to eternal life and peace.
Jose will be remembered for his quiet strength, his generosity, and the deep love he had for his family. He also had a deep love for music (corridos y rancheras), often filling his home with the sound of his voice and guitar, sharing songs and life stories that reflected his upbringing, culture, memories and joy.
He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, unity, and the enduring value of hard work and faith.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Rest in peace, Jose. Su memoria vivirá en nuestros corazones para siempre.
Con profundo amor y tristeza, anunciamos el fallecimiento de José Bahena, quien partió de este mundo el 23 de septiembre de 2025, a la edad de 85 años.
Nacido el 14 de mayo de 1940 en San Antonio del Rosario, Estado de México, José vivió una vida marcada por la fortaleza, el sacrificio y un amor inquebrantable por su familia. Pocos saben que fue el editor de películas (cortador y empalmador) para diversos estudios cinematográficos de Hollywood. Estas películas se proyectaron en salas de cine por todo México.
Y aun así, en busca de una vida mejor y mayores oportunidades, a mediados de los años 70 emigró a Chicago, Illinois, donde trabajó incansablemente durante décadas para apoyar y construir un futuro para sus seres queridos. Se jubiló a la joven edad de 76 años, en 2016.
José fue un esposo devoto para su querida esposa, María Bahena, y un orgulloso padre de cinco hijos: Raúl (Agustina), Rodolfo, Leticia (Carlos), Sergio (AnnMarie) y Javier Bahena (Maricela). También fue un amoroso abuelo de once nietos: Joseph, Claudia, Brianna, Octavia, Chrisanty, Cristian, Joshua, Carolina, Melina, Scarlet y Noah. Su legado vive no solo en ellos, sino también en las muchas vidas que tocó como hijo, hermano, primo, tío y amigo querido.
En sus últimas semanas, José regresó a su tierra natal, México, donde pasó sus días rodeado del calor de su familia y la belleza del lugar que lo vio crecer. Fue allí, entre sus raíces y rodeado de amor, donde nuestro Señor en Cristo Jesús lo llamó a la vida eterna y a la paz.
José será recordado por su fortaleza silenciosa, su generosidad y el profundo amor que sentía por su familia. También tenía un gran amor por la música (corridos y rancheras), llenando a menudo su hogar con el sonido de su voz y su guitarra, compartiendo canciones e historias de vida que reflejaban su crianza, su cultura, sus recuerdos y su alegría.
Deja un legado de perseverancia, unidad y del valor eterno del trabajo duro y la fe.
Lo vamos a extrañar profundamente y lo recordaremos por siempre.
Descansa en paz, José. Su memoria vivirá en nuestros corazones para siempre.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jose, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Jose's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Jose Bahena's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Jose Bahena's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?