Alexander R. Nunes died unexpectedly on July 26, 2024, while leading a group of boy scouts near the boundary waters in Northern Minnesota. He had used his too-short life of twenty-eight years to give his gifts, tangible and spiritual, to others. He will be missed immeasurably.
Born November 2, 1995, Alex was the younger son of Marcus and Amy (Boli) Nunes and brother to his loving siblings, sister Katherine Cantu (Derek) and brother Marc (Laura). Eventually he would become the “funcle” to Gianna and Luca. Alex also leaves behind many caring relatives, including his uncles, aunts and cousins.
He graduated from Saint Juliana Elementary School and went on to play football and wrestle at Notre Dame College Prep high school, which helped teach him fortitude, self-reliance and confidence in the face of challenge. He attended DePaul University and graduated
summa cum laude
both with a Bachelor’s degree in 2018 and a Master’s Degree in Writing, Rhetoric and Discourse in 2019. While there he was blessed to meet Julia (nee Vasquez), who became the light and love of his life, eventually marrying in 2022. After graduation he traveled to China to teach English, returning in 2020 one step ahead of Covid. After caring for his mother during her fight with cancer and then his new-born niece, he joined the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council as a grants administrator, where he began to serve the local community.
In sharing his knowledge, his passions, his talents and his unique wit, Alex always made time to bring common sense and provide assistance to anyone who asked him for help. Alex exemplified the motto “do a good turn daily.” After ultimately reaching the rank of Eagle Scout at the end of high school, he returned to become an assistant scoutmaster with Troop, 979 hoping to pass on the skills, experiences and commitment to the principles of the Oath. He was doing just that when he passed. In lieu of flowers, donations to Troop #979 of the Boy Scouts of America would be appreciated.
Visitation will take place from 2 PM to 9 PM on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence, Norridge Illinois. Services will take place on Monday, August 5 at 9:30 AM, proceeding from the funeral home to St. Juliana Church, 7201 N. Oketo, Chicago Illinois for the funeral mass at 11 AM. Interment immediately thereafter at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside Illinois. For more information call (708)456-8300