Elmwood Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Visitation Information

Juan M. Correa, Jr.

Passed away on October 22, 2025

Juan M. Correa Jr., age 64. Late of the East Side, formerly of Hegewisch. Passed away on October 22, 2025 of Stage 4 Colon Cancer. Beloved husband of Sandy Correa (nee Rodriguez) for 31 years. Loving father of Ruben Correa. Dearest brother of Carmen (late James) Ireland, late Abel (Jane) Correa, and David (Tammy) Correa. Cherished uncle of Abel Jr., Kaitlyn, and Matthew. Preceded in death by his parents Lydia and Juan Correa Sr.

To know Juan was to love him. He was a straight shooter and that’s what endeared him to so many while driving you nuts at the same time. Juan worked in several industries leaving a trail of friendships and softball teammates along the way. Leo Burnett, Starcom and Zoom Media & Marketing were two of his early employers with Bumper-to-Bumper Auto Parts and JMA Services more recent jobs.

Juan has been a coach for many years starting with Hegewisch Babe Ruth where he won two state titles with an All-Star team. He met his wife on the softball field when she played for McCrivos Bar in Hegewisch that he helped coach. He went on to play for and coach the Bad Apples of the Chicago Advertising Coed Softball League and won many league titles. He later was elected President of the league and was inducted into the Advertising Softball Hall of Fame.

Juan was very involved in his community. He was an LSC member at Jane Addams Grammar School and George Washington High as well as an Assistant Boy Scout Leader for Troop #701. He was a parent volunteer at Lurie Children’s Hospital and brought aluminum pop tabs to the Ronald McDonald House. He was a long-time member of the South Chicago Mexican American Social Club where he helped run events that impacted the community like the Annual Andrew Garcia Christmas Toy Drive. Speaking of toys, Juan was a big comic book and baseball card collector with Batman being his favorite superhero.

But nearest and dear to his heart.... Juan was a tireless advocate for pediatric cancer research and stem cell donation after Ruben survived cancer twice and a transplant. He is ten years cancer free this November 10th and Juan was by his side the entire way.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Juan’s memory to stbaldricks.org or nmdp.org (formerly Be The Match). These organizations are a big reason why Ruben is still with us today.

Visitation and Funeral Services, Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 3:00 p.m. at the Elmwood Chapel 11200 S. Ewing Ave. Chicago, IL. 60617. 773-731-2749

Interment:
Private

Memorial Contributions:

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Juan’s memory to stbaldricks.org or nmdp.org (formerly Be The Match). These organizations are a big reason why Ruben is still with us today.

Visitation Location

East Side
11200 S. Ewing Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 731-2749

Map

Visitation Information

Saturday, November 1, 2025 - 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm

Prayer Service
Saturday, November 1, 2025 - 3:00 pm

Condolences
"To Sandy, Ruben, & Correa family - Words cannot express the profound sadness my family & I feel with Juan's passing. The countless hours we spent together playing sports from childhood then growing into adulthood is a cherished memory. So sorry and deepest condolences for your loss. Juan was the best!"
- Keith Ratajczyk
October 24, 2025 9:13 am
"Dearest Sandy and Rueben, I know there are no words to ease this pain of unbearable loss.Find peace in your memoriesand laugh until you cry. Love Mum Mum Charlie and family."
- Charlotte Cervone
October 24, 2025 9:33 am
"Sandy, Ruben, Carmen and Dave: I am so sorry on the passing of Juan. Thinking of him brings back many great memories of our time together as teammates on our St. Florian BB teams. He was the unsung hero on those teams, a friend who always had your back. His fierce competitiveness on the court carried over to his personal life, fighting this heinous disease. I was fortunate to catch up with him a couple years ago and had a great time going down memory lane. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Don Zmija"
- Don Zmija
October 24, 2025 3:13 pm
"Juan, had this heart of gold i believe everyone around him felt that kindness, Generosity, and love. He always gave 100 percent and didn't want anything in return. His dedication to his family and all the things he pushed so hard for to make a difference. He did make a difference. He shined, fought hard and strong and gave all he could and more. He touched many life's like mine. He will be remembered , cherished and loved. Thanks for all you've had done. You will be truly missed. All of us on Brandon St we were a great bunch of kids growing up together ❤️ "
- Cheryl Brandenburg
October 25, 2025 3:53 pm
"To the entire Correa family I express my condolences and sad to hear about Juan's passing, May he rest in peace. God bless you Juan ."
- Carl Ostrowski
October 25, 2025 9:52 pm
Candles Lit
"Lighting a candle in support of Sandy and Ruben and to celebrate the life of a wonderful husband and father"
- Scott Noonan
October 24, 2025 12:56 pm
"So sad that cancer continues to take so many lives far too early and affect so many lives. My deepest condolences for your loss and please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you and your family."
- Harold Dawson
October 24, 2025 12:56 pm
"Coach, gone but not forgotten rest in peace, will play again soon."
- Claudia lopez
October 24, 2025 5:22 pm
"A candle to light up the way on your new journey."
- Karen Frystak
October 25, 2025 6:44 am
"Coach Juan, Always looking out for me, always will. Bad Apples for life and after."
- Hattie
October 27, 2025 10:36 am