Mateo Munoz Ortiz

Mateo Munoz Ortiz, 51, of Huntley passed away suddenly Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. Mateo was born to Florinda Ortiz and Tomás Muñoz on Feb. 8, 1970, in Cutzamala De Pinzón, Mexico. He served in the Mexican Army before studying cosmetology in his adopted city of Cuernavaca. Mateo owned and operated Salon Dalí in Cuernavaca before moving to the United States. By day, he worked full-time at several high-end salons in Chicago, including Rueve on Dearborn and Colette Salon & Spa while studying English in the evenings. He then went on to study massage therapy and Asian bodywork at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, where he met his future wife, Juliann Domagalski. Aside from marrying Julie, Mateo’s proudest moment in his lifetime was becoming a United States citizen. Julie and Mateo worked hard to establish two businesses in Huntley: an East Asian medicine clinic, Vital Vibrant Health, Inc., and most recently, Imperative Hair & Care, LLC. He was an active member of the Huntley Chamber of Commerce. Mateo was a voracious reader and a lifetime learner. Aside from keeping up with the latest skills for his professions, he enjoyed learning about different religions and philosophies. He was an avid gardener and an excellent cook, often surprising family and friends with jars of homemade salsa. Mateo loved cars, red wine, action movies, and his dogs Chestnut and Anatoli. He traveled to 21 states, taking time to learn about the local history, arts, and culture in each area. Many will remember him as always being impeccably dressed but willing to give you the clothes off his back. Mateo was proud to volunteer with the Alternative Medicine Project for Veterans and with the American Indian Center in Chicago. He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Mateo is survived by his wife, Julie; his mother, Florinda; brothers, Gilberto, Marciano, and Daniel; sisters, Laurentina, Francisca, Dominga, and Natalia; brothers-in-law, Paul (Colleen), Mark (Debbie), and John (Sandy); and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Tomás; sister Marilu; half-sisters, Lena, Juana, Ofelia, and Odulia; father-in-law, Edward; and mother-in-law, Mary Lou. Visitation will be on Friday, September 24, from 9 AM until the 11 AM service at the James A. O’Connor Funeral Home, 11603 E. Main St. in Huntley. Burial will follow in the Huntley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be directed to the family.

Mateo Munoz Ortiz

February 8, 1970 - September 16, 2021