Jose "Joey" Orjales

Jose H. Orjales, known to many as Joey if you were a close friend. Babe to his Wife, Dad to his girls, Welo to baby Vinny and Primo to all of his cousins. 

Joey brought laughter and magic to every life he touched. He passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, in Glendale Heights, Illinois, at the age of 57. Born on December 12, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois.

Joey will be remembered for his vibrant personality and zest for life. He was the life of every gathering, always ready with a joke, a story, or a magic trick. He was always recommending a good movie to watch, sharing a new favorite song, or telling a tale from one of his crazy adventures. Joey had a way of making everyone feel included and special. His love for fishing brought him peace and happiness, but his greatest joy was the time he spent with his wife and kids, especially his grandson, Vinny.

Joey is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Julie Orjales. They shared an extraordinary love and together, they built a life filled with laughter, resilience, and unwavering devotion. Through every joy and challenge, Julie stood faithfully by his side, a true reminder of what it means to love "through thick and thin."

He is also survived by his cherished daughters, Julia Melissa Orjales-Calabrese (Giuseppe Calabrese), Connie Orjales, and Angelina Orjales (Osbaldo Viramontes); his oldest brother, Jose Orjales (Jr), who he always admired and looked up to; and his much-loved grandson, Vicente (Vinny) Viramontes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose A. Orjales Sr. and Luz Eneida Orjales, and his brother, Jose Orjales (Ubi), as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

If Joey could leave one last message, it would probably be a joke… but since he’s not here to deliver the punchline, we’ll just say: thank you for the laughs, the love, and the magic.