With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Nestor Karim Delgado Jr., 28, of Jacksonville, Illinois, who died on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the University of Chicago Medical Center during a procedure related to his lifelong congenital heart disease.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on September 5, 1996, Nestor was the beloved son of Nestor K. Delgado and Myrtle Ann Hoover Delgado. He was married to Megan Ryan, whom he wed on August 31, 2024, in a beautiful ceremony in Cancun, Mexico.
Nestor is survived by his devoted wife, Megan Delgado, of Jacksonville; his father, Nestor K. Delgado, of Pascagoula, MS; and his mother, Myrtle (Bruce Darby) Delgado, of Bay St. Louis, MS. He also leaves behind his siblings, Anna Margaret Delgado and Augustine (Gus) Quintin Delgado; stepbrothers Bradley (Portia) Darby and Dylan Darby; maternal grandmother Margaret Ann Hoover; paternal grandmother Sylvia Delgado; and in-laws Mark (Sherry) Ryan, Dennis (Kayelyn) Ryan, along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished friends.
He was preceded in death by his infant son, Nestor Karim Delgado III, his maternal grandfather, Dr. Jack C. Hoover, and his paternal grandfather, Dr. Nestor F. Delgado.
A proud graduate of Resurrection Catholic High School (2015), University of Mississippi (2018), and the University of Mississippi School of Law (2021), Nestor pursued a meaningful career in public service. He served as a Legislative Liaison for the Illinois Office of the Attorney General and most recently worked as a Cybersecurity Policy Advisor at the Illinois Commerce Commission. Passionate about advocacy, Nestor also served as Chair of the Illinois chapter of the American Heart Association, a cause deeply personal to him.
Nestor lived with an unmatched zest for life. He loved his family and friends, his two dogs Nola and Madge, and shared an amusing affection for Floof, the cat he lovingly tolerated. He was a passionate debater, a gifted woodworker, a political enthusiast, and a lover of Marvel movies, good food, and sports—especially the New Orleans Saints and St. Louis City SC.
A world traveler and lifelong learner, Nestor found joy in new cultures and meaningful connections—from China with his father and grandfather, to Europe through his University of Cambridge study abroad program, and his unforgettable wedding in Mexico. Though his roots were firmly planted in the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Nestor made the Midwest his home, where he was warmly embraced by friends, colleagues, and the community.
To know Nestor was to be inspired by his intelligence, selflessness, humor, and genuine kindness. He was a fierce advocate for those in need—a voice for the voiceless—and his impact extended well beyond his years.
In honor of Nestor’s enduring legacy, his family invites you to “pay it forward” in his memory: show kindness, speak with purpose, and live with heart.
A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Daws Family Funeral Home in Jacksonville, immediately followed by a memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association, continuing Nestor’s life mission of supporting cardiac research and helping others with similar conditions.
Nestor Karim Delgado Jr. will be remembered as a son, husband, friend, and advocate—a man who gave everything he had for those he loved and left this world undeniably better than he found it.
