Jorge Sarmiento

Jorge Enrique Sarmiento Pineda, age 93, passed away at home on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

Born February 28, 1930, in Bogota, Colombia, South America, the son of Ernesto Sarmiento La Barrera and Elvira Pineda Cardenas. Jorge played professional soccer for Nacional in Bogota, Colombia. He married the love of his life, Lucy Marina Mogollon on December 31, 1955, at Lady of Lourdes Church in Bogota, Colombia.

Jorge moved his family to Belvidere, IL in December of 1970 where he began his career with Chrysler Corporation until his retirement in July of 1995. He was truly a great family man who loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren dearly. Jorge made the courageous decision to leave a prosperous life in Colombia to come to the U.S.A. to give the opportunity of a better life for his children and family. He was a faithful member of St. James Catholic Church in Belvidere, IL for many years.

Jorge is survived by his son Jorge A. (Yami) Sarmiento, daughter Patricia (Juan) Montoya, son Gary (Debbie) Sarmiento and nephew Daniel Zambrano, who was like a son to Jorge; grandchildren, Olivia Sarmiento, Alexander (Natalie) Sarmiento, Danielle Schoepski (Kevin Steinhart), Jacob Sarmiento and great-grandsons, Ronan and Gavin Sarmiento. He is predeceased by his parents, wife Lucy and 6 siblings.

The family would like to give special thanks to caregivers, Liz Jiminez for the last two years and her cousin Marcella Gonzalez for the last few weeks for their care and compassion with Jorge.

A private family visitation will be held. A funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Rockford, IL 61107. The burial will conclude at a later date in Rockford, IL.