Raul J. Cisneros

Raul J. Cisneros
72, of New Lenox, formerly of Garden Homes, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at Silver Cross Hospital, New Lenox, IL, with family by his side. Raul was born in Chicago to the late Raul and Alice (nee Alfaro) Cisneros. Beloved husband of Linda (nee Heer); loving father of Tawnie (Bill Lindich) Cisneros, and Armando (Allison) Cisneros; cherished grandfather of Hudson Lindich; dear brother of Emilia (Ricky) Kilpatrick, Ruth (Chuck) Hammerstein, Rebecca (late Doug) Huntley, Silvia (late Eric) Gale, and “5th sister” Jenny (Dan) Williams; special uncle to Alison (J.D.) Stonecypher, Jacquelyn Huntley, and deeply loved by many more nieces and nephews.

Raul was retired from Central Steel and Wire Company, where he dedicated 44 hard-working years providing for his family as a crane operator and a maintenance mechanic, and where he made many lifelong friendships along the way. If you knew Raul, you know there isn't anything he didn't know how to fix, or that he couldn't figure out with a little time and elbow grease. One of his greatest passions was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, on which he had amazing, coast-to-coast adventures with Linda and many friends, and he was an active member of The Red Knights Motorcycle Club, Illinois, Chapter 2. A lifelong music lover, he played his guitars and sang with a soulful, unique voice, enjoying many rollicking nights of beers, friends and music in his tricked-out garage. His favorite place on earth was the Mississippi River at Bellevue, Iowa, where he spent peaceful days and nights from his childhood on, camping and fishing with his family.

Most importantly, Raul fiercely loved his family and friends. Since the day they met, he held his wife Linda deep in his heart as “My Girl,” honoring her and looking out for her for more than 50 years. He wanted a better life for his children, and he raised Tawnie and Armando with unconditional love, respect, and tenderness, wholeheartedly teaching and supporting them at every stage of their lives. Without hesitation, he offered his special brand of fatherly love to their friends, which expanded the circle of "kids" that surrounded and loved him. To his sisters, he was a steady, reliable brother who protected and cared for them, and he was the family comedian who delivered the most hilarious stories and one-liners. For his many friends, Raul was loyal, honest and always in your corner.

Raul shared his considerable strength and know-how with all of us through countless oil changes, brake jobs, yard work, moves, and odd jobs near and far. He was a damn good cook who loved ice cold milk and steaming hot food, and he was our patriarch for our annual Christmas Eve Tamale Days. A devoted grandfather – better known as G-Pa or Geep – he lovingly taught Hudson early lessons in being a good man, as well as how to find deep satisfaction in the everyday moments of mowing lawns, fixing cars, and making the people you love laugh until they cry. Such a good-hearted, strong, capable man left us too soon, but his legacy of love will be with us always. Please join our family for a visitation at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, New Lenox, on Sunday, January 30, from 1-4 p.m. All are welcome to stay for a memorial service at 4 p.m., which will also be live streamed at https://www.asimplestreaming.com/rjcisneros/

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michael J. Murphy Music Scholarship Fund (see link below).