Born Mauricio Octaviano Ortiz (Tavo) on September 23, 1923 to Candelario Ortiz and Guadalupita Weirick in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Maurice was married to the former Maria Cristina Martinez (Christina Ortiz) since November 22, 1952. Maurice met Christina (Tina) at the local hospital where she worked attending to newborns, new moms. Christina said she first met him looking at the newborn babies (yeah sure). They married after only knowing each other for 5-6 months. Maurice had 7 children: Walter Ortiz (Louise), Maurice Jr., Richard (Sharon), Mark, Leona (Joe Ramirez), Theresa (Alex Nino) and Julie (Jason Brink). 21 grandchildren: Shelly, Tina, Amber, Jessica, Christopher, Angela, Celena, Tony, Taijah, John, Leana, Elena, Adrian, Bianca, Alex, Ricky, Gabriel, Adriana, Christian, Jenna, Jordan and 22 great-grandchildren with 1 on the way. Also survived by daughter-in-laws: Gail O'Donnell, Tina Sweet and Gloria Ortiz. He was preceded in death by his sons Maurice Jr., Mark and daughter-in-law Judy Silveria. Maurice was a resident of Pittsburg for over 70 years. Maurice came to California when he was assigned to Camp Stoneman after enlisting in the Army on 28 May 1943. After the Army, Maurice stayed in Pittsburg because of his job as a Carpenter which was his trade for over 30 years. He was a member of Carpenter's Union #2046 Martinez. Maurice attended school at Las Vegas High School in Las Vegas, NM, graduated from Pittsburg Night School and also attended DVC locally. Maurice's hobbies included drawing, reading and prayed faithfully. He will be missed by all that loved him and remembered by all those that met him. Maurice was blessed to live on this earth for 93 years, 3 months and 4 days.
Visitation will be held on Wed. Jan 4, 2017 from 4:00 to 8:00pm with a vigil at 6:30pm at the Pittsburg Funeral Chapel. Funeral liturgy Thurs. Jan 5, 2017 at 11:00am at St. Peter Martyr Church. Military burial following at 2:30pm at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon.