Jose Angel Garay

Jose Angel Garay, 75, of Aurora, IL passed away surrounded by his family on September 25, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on October 2, 1949, in Villanueva, Zacatecas, Mexico, the son of Valeriano and Soledad (Fernandez) Garay. Jose came to the United States at the age of 17. For over 25 years he was a dedicated truck driver by trade and was a gifted, self-taught musician who could play a wide range of instruments. His passion for music was matched by his love for nature; he found great joy in gardening and loved his animals. A devoted family man, he cherished time spent with his family and always put family first. He was also a faithful and active parishioner at St. Peter's Church. He will be remembered for his kind heart, strong work ethic and all the joy he brought to others.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maricela (Partida); children, Blanca (Julio Cesar) Contreras, Miguel (Daniela) Garay, Edward (Michelle) Garay and Elizabeth (Michael) De Puente; his parents, Valeriano and Soledad Garay; beloved grandchildren, Cesar, Julissa, and Analia Contreras, Giuliana and Nicolas Garay, Jasmine and Leonel Garay and Julian, Esteban and Paulina De Puente. He is also survived by his siblings; Juana (Jose) Ojeda, Alicia (the late Gene) Adams, Griselda (Ismael) Barajas and Francisco and Josefa Garay as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family. He is preceded in death by his brother Miguel Garay.

Family will be receiving guests on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dieterle Memorial Home, 1120 S. Broadway Ave. Montgomery, IL 60538. Funeral mass will be on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Peter Catholic Church 925 Sard Ave. Aurora, IL 60506. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.