Mariano Ortiz Obituary

MARIANO ORTIZ
Mariano Ortiz, age 97, resident of Pecos, NM, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 11th, 2024.
Mariano was born in Pecos, NM, on November 11th, 1926, to the late Celestino and Cleofas Ortiz.
Mariano was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Clora Ortiz, parents, siblings, Juan Ortiz, Silveria Martinez, and Priscilla Lopez, son-in-law, Leonard Cde Baca, and daughters-in-law, Sandra and Gloria Ortiz. He is survived by his children, Joseph, Wanda Cde Baca, Danny (Colleen), Darlene (David), Melvin, and Katherine Ortiz. Grandchildren: Patrick (Kymberly), Christopher (Margie), Clarissa Ortiz, Allen (Yvette), Dion, and Jolene Cde Baca, Billy, Sheryl, Amanda, Daniel, Shannon, and Aaron Ortiz. Sixteen Great Grandchildren: Kristen, Ryan, Crystal, Christopher, Jillian, Shane, Omri, Monique, Patricia, Alexis, Isaac, Kimberly, Leland, Hailee, Uriah, and Alanica. Special nieces, Evangeline (His Sweet) Varela, Connie Varela, Orlin Sena, the Lopez and Martinez Families, along with many nieces, nephews and Godchildren who all held a special place in his heart.
Mariano proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in which he was honorably discharged in September of 1952. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal because of his service. Mariano was very proud of the fact that he met and was saluted by General Douglas MacArthur while in the hospital after being wounded. During that time, he also met Joe DiMaggio in person. He was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), Disabled Veterans of America (DAV), and the American Legion Ortiz Y Gallegos Post 70 in Pecos, NM. He retired from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) of which he had been a member of for over 55 years, and trained numerous journeymen who were learning the trade of becoming electricians. Mariano was an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed hunting, camping and spending time with his family of whom he was very proud of. He was a dedicated husband, and father. Mariano had a very strong work ethic which he proudly modeled for his family. He taught them to always do their best, to never give up, and to keep striving to be a better person. He was a life-long member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Pecos, NM, where he served as a Mayordomo and Eucharistic Minister for many years.
Rosary will be held on Monday, May 20th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m., and interment will take place immediately at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery in Pecos, NM.
Pallbearers will be Patrick, Christopher, Allen, Dion, Daniel, Billy, and Aaron.
Honorary Pallbearers will be his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.