Chao, José Rafael (Jan. 22, 1932-Dec. 30, 2023). José Rafael Chao of Chicago, IL passed peacefully in his sleep at home on Saturday, December 30th. Originally from Manzanillo, Cuba, José and his wife -- Ines Rosa Vera de Chao -- fled to the U.S. in 1967 with their three sons, José B. (Christine), José A., and José R., Jr. (Susana). José Sr. and his family were very proud and grateful to be naturalized citizens. José worked for more than 30 years with Harris Bank. In addition to his loving wife of 67 years and three sons, José leaves behind grandchildren Michael, Taylor (Saxon), Lauren (Chad), Ashley (Josh), Antonio, Anaïs (Kyle), Kristen, and Amy, as well as great-grandchildren Victoria, Hudson, Jordan, Brielle, Reagan, and Evelyn. José is remembered by one and all for his kindness; love of friends and family; and his pride in providing for his family and living within his strong moral code. The visitation will be held on Saturday, January 13th from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm at Cooney Funeral Home (625 Busse Highway, Park Ridge), followed by the burial at MaryHill Cemetery (8600 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles).

Chao, José Rafael (22 de enero de 1932-30 de diciembre de 2023). José Rafael Chao de Chicago, IL falleció pacíficamente mientras dormía en su casa el sábado 30 de diciembre. Originario de Manzanillo, Cuba, José y su esposa, Inés Rosa Vera de Chao, huyeron a los Estados Unidos en 1967 con sus tres hijos, José B. (Christine), José A., y José R., Jr. (Susana). José Sr. y su familia estaban muy orgullosos y agradecidos de ser ciudadanos naturalizados. José trabajó durante más de 30 años en Harris Bank. Además de su amada esposa durante 67 años y tres hijos, José deja atrás a sus nietos Michael, Taylor (Saxon), Lauren (Chad), Ashley (Josh), Antonio, Anaïs (Kyle), Kristen, y Amy, así como a su gran-nietos Victoria, Hudson, Jordan, Brielle, Reagan, y Evelyn. José es recordado por todos por su amabilidad; amor para amigos y familiares; y su orgullo de mantener a su familia y vivir dentro de su fuerte código moral. El velorio se llevará a cabo el sábado 13 de enero de 11:00 am a 12:30 pm en Cooney Funeral Home (625 Busse Highway, Park Ridge), seguido del entierro en el cementerio MaryHill (8600 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles).