Martin Ortiz, 84, Expert Player of the Guitar and the Cuatro
Our very much loved, admired and cherished Martin Ortiz, age 84, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 8:12pm at St. John Westshore Medical Center in Westlake.
He was born on Nov 11, 1937 in Coamo, Puerto Rico to the late Julio and Julia Ortiz. Martin Ortiz grew up in Puerto Rico and around the age of 11-12 moved to New Jersey. He met the love of his life Juana during the 1950s, it was love at first sight and were subsequently married August 1, 1964 then moved to Lorain, Ohio where Martin worked for Moen for 35 years until his retirement.
Martin was an expert player of the guitar and the Cuatro, the national instrument of Puerto Rico. He was a member and a constant presence of Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain, where he played in the church choir band for Mass twice a week. Martin volunteered countless hours with ministries, including the Crucillos and outreach programs .
He is survived by his loving children, Geraldine Barreiro, Carmen Pierse, Miguel Ortiz, Ana Julia Ambuehl, Lidubina Ortiz-Robinson and Margarita Ortiz-Padilla; grandchildren, Elena McDuffus, Sari Barreiro, Elias Barreiro, Elisa Barreiro, Rosita Barreiro, Daniel Barreiro, Marisol Barreiro, Joseph Morales, Maribel Feliciano, Selena Feliciano, Jaylene Pierse, George Pierse Jr., Gabriela Ortiz and Ignacia Ortiz, Elexa Lorey Ambuehl, Anthony Lorenzo Ambuehl, Anthony Baxter, Daniel Baxter, Kern Baxter, Sofia Elena Padilla and Bella Jolí Padilla; Great grandchildren, Lucas Miguel Baxter, Ace McDuffus, Nora McDuffus and Amelie Claire Ambuehl; and his siblings, Juanita Ortiz, Rosin Ortiz, Amado Ortiz and Antonio Ortiz.
Martin was happily married to his beloved and cherished wife Juana Pabon Ortiz for over 56 years until her death on Thursday Oct 28, 2021.
He was beloved by all who met him. Martin had the biggest heart of gold, he practiced what Jesus preached. He would spread the gospel, show kindness to strangers, prayed for others, showed patience, and forgave all who might have wronged him.
Visitation and memorial for both Martin and Juana will be on Monday, November 8, 2021 from 4 to 8 PM at Sacred Heart Chapel, 4201 Pearl Avenue, Lorain. Also, Tuesday, November 9 from 8:30 until 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Rev. Father William A. Thaden, Pastor will officiate. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.
Contributions may be made to the family to offset medical expenses.For expressions of sympathy and further information please see, Reidyfuneral.com.