Visitation Information

Rafael "Castro" Ornelas

Passed away on February 20, 2026

Rafael Ornelas was born on October 27, 1938, in San Antonio de Fernandez, Jalisco, Mexico, to Vicente Ornelas and María de Jesús Maciel Ornelas. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on February 20, 2026.

Rafael worked as a machine operator for The Valley Mould and Iron Corporation, where he dedicated many years of hard work. He was a man known for always staying busy, being handy, and never sitting still for long. Everyone in the neighborhood knew him, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand.

He was known for his bright smile and joyful spirit, rarely ever serious and always quick to laugh. He loved singing, storytelling, listening to music, playing dominos, and spending time in the hometown he cherished so deeply. Above all, he loved his family and found his greatest happiness in seeing everyone together. He was a devoted husband, father, and the best grandfather, creating memories filled with laughter and love.

He will also be fondly remembered for his playful habit of “stealing” his grandchildren’s belongings — from cologne to clothes and hats — and proudly claiming them as his own, something that brought laughter to everyone around him.

Rafael is survived by his loving wife, Catalina Ornelas; his children, Maricela Diaz (Jose Luis Diaz), Ernesto Ornelas (Margarita Ornelas), Guadalupe Ornelas, Rafaela Verdin (Juan Luis Verdin), Susanna Falcon (Senon H. Falcon), and Lorena Ornelas (Marco A. Aranda), late Humberto Ornelas. Cherished grandfather of 29 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Visitation Monday, March 2, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. from the Elmwood Chapel 11200 S. Ewing Ave. Chicago, IL. 60617 to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.