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IN LOVING MEMORY OF Henry Ortiz
Henry
Ortiz
Nov 2, 1943 — Jun 3, 2022
Antioch
Henry Ortiz's Obituary
Henry "Hank" Ortiz was born on November 2
nd
, 1943, in San Francisco, CA to his mother Cecilia Ortiz Guzman & biological father Gilbert Lopez here on Mother Earth. Growing up with 8 other brothers, sisters, and eventually with his mother marrying Efren Guzman; the household was expanded to 11 siblings including himself. Hank grew up in the Excelsior District definitely proved to be challenging being the middle child. Hank's up bringing overall was supportive, loving, caring through the years. The family roots all started when Cecilia coming to San Francisco from Silver City, NM. Her heritage of Mexican, and Indigenous (First People) brought her rich cultures into play. The family celebrations especially during Christmas was a joyous time when family came together to have traditional Mexican food. Those were the times when Hank reflected when his mother would make fresh corn tortillas by hand, beans, and rice growing up.
He went to Balboa High School pole vaulted, and loved the thrill being in the air. After his High School graduation in 1962 he enlisted in the US Army. When Hank was in the US Army, he entered into the Vietnam Campaign, stationed in Thailand with the Army of engineers constructing portable bridges. Hank once shared a story how a family of Asian elephants walking through the jungle which was amazing gift, and a sight to see in nature, in action!
Hanks first marriage was to Mary Costanzo Ortiz, and had his first son Anthony "Tony" Ortiz. Later in life had his second child Eric Ortiz son of Ilene Sagall. Then finally his stepson John Cardinale son of JoAnn Ortiz. He had much love for his sons through the years, and wanted the best for them. Hank loved his grandchildren Inara, Lucien, and Gabrielle see them grow.
Years later Hank came back to the San Francisco Bay Area to be with family back with his relatives. Hank loved, weddings, 4
th
of July, and family gatherings of any sort. He had strong connections with his nieces, and nephews they all knew, and loved Uncle Hank. He loved playing softball, and touch football with his sons, and nephews. Also, loved painting where he attended art school in Chicago, IL. His past time was going to the San Francisco Giants games on cold Friday nights at Candlestick Park.
People that got to know Hank knew that he had a gift of laughter, jokes, and a warm demeanor which was healing medicine to all who encounter his gift. It was how he connected with others organically. He was respectful of others, and loved sharing stories, and listening to others.
Later on, Hank met JoAnn, she loved his Elvis charm and they married in 1991. They went on trips with their sons, and they went on cruises met many different people that crossed their paths, and enjoyed stories with each other. JoAnn was amazed how Hank put together a shrine in his house with a collection of baseball hats, sport jerseys, Elvis & 49er memorable, she loved that he like to have fun with his passion.
Hank Ortiz passed on to the Ancestors on Friday June 3
rd
2022 peacefully. He will be missed by his Wife (JoAnn Ortiz), sons Tony Ortiz, Eric Ortiz, and John Cardinale, Family, Friends, and Community. Hank will not be forgotten; his legacy will live on, and his Spirit, and his healing medicine of laughter. "Too All Our Relations" Interconnectedness with everyone he met.
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