John Joseph Cortino's Obituary
Mercedes – John Joseph Cortino, 43, passed away at his home on Thursday, November 27, 2025. He was born on April 18, 1982, in Weslaco, Texas, to Joseph and Maria (Garza) Cortino. John grew up surrounded by family—his sister, Patricia; his brother, Michael; his cousins, Paul and Joanna; and his long-time friends, Tom Martinez and Rene Vasquez. He attended school in Weslaco before graduating from the Science Academy of South Texas in Mercedes.
John was an avid coin collector whose curiosity became a lifelong passion. He studied his hobby with dedication and came to know everything he could about currency, finance, and the stories behind each piece. He could talk for hours about the coins, bills, and foreign currency he collected, and he was forever scanning incoming cash for rare defects, unique serial numbers, or anything he had recently researched.
John also loved to travel. He enjoyed countless road trips with his sister and cousin, Paul, to Las Vegas and Florida. He loved Disney World and Universal Studios, and he especially cherished visiting California—touring the Warner Brothers Studios and walking the streets of Burbank. In Las Vegas, his favorite place to stay was The Luxor.
A fan of all things Hollywood, John loved movies and television—especially the show Friends. He enjoyed live music and concerts, and he was always fascinated by how things worked. Whether tinkering with gadgets or fixing small appliances, he loved solving problems. He also enjoyed gardening, particularly planting aloe vera and sweet basil, and he was excited to begin a flower garden of his own.
John worked at the family’s restaurant, Cortino’s, where he made soups and bread daily—first alongside his parents, and later on his own. He also waited tables, known for entertaining guests with his upbeat personality and easy conversation.
John believed in the Lord and attended Light House Church, where his mother was a longtime member.
John was always fun to be around. He had a gift for lightening the mood with his outrageous sense of humor and endless supply of jokes, and he was quick to laugh when they were returned. Outgoing, talkative, and naturally curious, John had a way of making everyone feel seen. His big heart and genuine interest in others made him a loyal friend to many.
John is survived by his parents, Joseph and Maria Cortino; his sister, Patricia Cortino; and his brother, Michael Cortino (Brianna).
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 7, from 1–9 p.m. at McCaleb Funeral Home, with the Cortino family present from 3–6 p.m. A celebration of his life will take place on Monday, December 8, at 1 p.m., also at McCaleb Funeral Home. John will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park.
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