It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Fernando Hurtado on March 7, 2021, in Chicago, Illinois — just short of his 95th birthday. Fernando was born in Oruro, Bolivia, on May 30 1926, and grew up in the city of Cochabamba. He excelled at his studies from a young age, and studied abroad in Venezuela and the University of Mississippi. Fernando moved to Chicago, Illinois, in his 30s, and fell in love with the city. He worked with electrical companies most of his life, retiring twice because he enjoyed working so much. Fernando had many hobbies and passions. He loved to travel, and had toured most of the big cities in Europe by the time he was 40. He also traveled at least once a year to his home country, Bolivia, where he eventually purchased a home. For more than a decade (and into his 90s), Fernando traveled back and forth from Chicago to Bolivia. But he would eventually chose to live his remaining days in his beloved City of Chicago. Fernando was also an avid dancer. He regularly attended dance classes and even participated in a few ballroom dancing competitions when he was young. Fernando showed off his mastery of Bolivia folk dances into his 90s – performing a traditional Bolivian dance with his daughter at the restaurant Pena Pachamama in San Francisco two years ago (accompanied by a famous Bolivian musician). Dancing helped keep Fernando in great shape, as he was always a fast walker, and his relatives could hardly keep up with him as he raced around the streets of Chicago.

Fernando was proud of his Bolivian heritage, and enjoyed his favorite Bolivian teas and listening to Andean music. He also loved Carnival in Bolivia, and the colorful dances and costumes (probably because of his love of dance). Fernando was also generous to his family — never forgetting anyone’s birthday, and he always sent gifts and cards. But perhaps Fernando’s best quality was his optimistic outlook of life. Fernando always saw the positive side of things. The world was always “beautiful” to him. While we mourn the loss of Fernando, we are comforted by the fact that he led a life full of energy, positivity, purpose, and love. This is likely why he lived to be almost 95 years old!

Fernando is survived by a large and extended family: his loving daughter, Aida Vetesi (Zoltan Vetesi), who lives in Bellevue, Washington. He is survived by two loving granddaughters, Claudia Vetesi Sherman (Cyle Sherman) and Olivia Vetesi, who are both attorneys that work and live in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is survived by three lovely great granddaughters, Alessandra and Sabrina Sherman, and Gianna Coppola, who all had the opportunity to spend quality time with him. Fernando is also survived by a loving sister, Antonia Hurtado, and her two children Leonardo and Rodrigo who live in Cochabamba, Bolivia. He is also survived by another loving sister, Beatrice Hurtado, and her husband Dan Lowe who work and live in Washington, DC. Last, but not least, Fernando is survived by many, many cousins, extended relatives, and friends in Bolivia and Chicago, whose company he cherished.

Fernando was a class act. While we will miss him, heaven has gained an angel.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 4432 N. Troy Ave., Chicago, Il. 60618 at 10 am.