Richard Brian Cortez passed away on November 14, 2024 at the age of 48, leaving his family and friends heartbroken. Brian, as he was known, was deeply loved and cherished by his family  and friends and his caring and loyal nature and infectious smile will be forever missed.

Brian was born on August 6, 1976 in San Jose California to Richard and Alice Cortez. As an infant, his family moved to the then small town of Gilroy and it was there that Brian made his home. In Gilroy he found his love for sports and spent a large part of his childhood wrestling for the Hawks organization where he made lifelong friends and found some amazing life mentors. In Gilroy Brian also found his love for football, first playing for Gilroy High school, then for Gavilan college and finally for the Central Coast Barnstormers, where he continued to play for 14 years, eventually being inducted into the semi pro football hall of fame in 2017. Through his football career he again formed amazing friendships that lasted throughout his lifetime.

Brian enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, he loved to laugh, play and joke, he loved to cook, eat, fish,camp and BBQ. He loved spending time at the lake, and he especially loved just simply spending quality time in his home cuddling with his doggies Rosie and Zoey Moon.

Although Brian deeply cherished his friends and family, his nephews and niece held a special place in his heart. Brian will forever live on through his nephews; Jalynd, Max, Justin and Aidan and his niece Marina who he cherished and who stole a piece of his big heart. Unfortunately, Brian never got to meet his new great nephew, but his great nephew will forever carry his namesake, Joey Richard.

We take comfort in knowing that Brian is now at rest with family and friends who have preceded him in passing, including his beloved little dog Rosie.

Richard Brian Cortez is survived by his parents Richard and Alice Cortez, his sisters Renee Laroche and Diane Pierce, his brothers-in-law Bernard Laroche and Mitchell Pierce. Special family Mod Lopez and Trentan Sands, his nephews Jalynd Gallardo, Max Pierce, Justin Laroche, Aidan Laroche, niece Marina Laroche, great nieces Kaylee Turner and Brooklyn Turner and his great nephew Joey Richard Gallardo.

Brian you will be forever loved and missed, We love you to the moon and back…..

There will be a viewing starting at 11AM and a Funeral Service at 1:00pm on Saturday November 30th at Habing Family Funeral Home - 129 4th street, Gilroy, CA.