We welcome the arrival of our beloved Brother, Uncle, and Friend to his Eternal Home and the living arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

José Humberto Garcia Ortiz (AKA: Lil’ Joe, Cheo, Cheito), born on February 3, 1948, in Villalba, Puerto Rico, is honored today for the time and memories he gave as a devoted son to Rita Garcia Ortiz and Mañuel Garcia Quiles. He was an exemplary brother to 12 siblings: Miguel, Olga, Angelica, Esther, Aida, Mañuel (Connie), Emilia (Hector), Rita, Rosa (Juaquin), Carmen (Jesse), Jerry (Wilma), and David (Anita); and a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents: Mañuel Garcia Quiles and Rita Garcia Ortiz; brothers: Jos é Miguel Garcia, Mañuel “Meño” Garcia and David Garcia; sisters: Maria Angelica Martinez, Maria Esther Padilla, and Aida Luz Martinez, whose memories will live in our hearts; and in-laws: Aracelio (Junior), Domingo (Mingo), Enrique (Quique), Jorge, and José Oscar.

Cheo was a lifelong member at Genesis Christian Church (previously Primera Iglesia Cristiana) where he served as Elder, Deacon, Property Manager, and other roles within the church as needed.

José retired from LTV Steel, (Arcelor Mittal, now Cleveland Cliffs) with over 30 years of service. He was a dedicated, hardworking and exemplary employee who was loved and respected by his fellow co-workers.

Although Cheito had no children of his own, he was admired and loved as a father figure by many. He had a love for pets, especially Peanut, who kept him company for 15 years.

His hobbies were his love and expertise for muscle cars, planting vegetables, and his residential property investments. In his younger years, he played baseball with his local church and teams within the Gary community. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Gary Railcats.

Cheito will be missed and his life cherished by all whose lives he has touched and blessed. May our Lord embrace him and grant him eternal rest. He will always be loved, remembered, and deeply missed.

Relatives and friends may visit on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 4 -8 PM with funeral service to begin at 6 PM at Genesis Christian Church, 2328 W. Old Ridge Road, Hobart, IN, 46342. Final farewell will be Saturday, February 22, 2025, starting at 9 AM, also at Genesis Christian Church. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery, 2305 W. 73^rd Avenue, Merrillville, IN.