Jose Ortiz III

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jose Luis Ortiz III, who left us peacefully on March 4, 2025, at the age of 50. Jose was born on August 17, 1974, in Brooklyn, NY. He was a devoted father, loving son, and cherished member of his community. A proud graduate of Grover Cleveland High School (Class of 1991), Jose had a passion for sports, particularly boxing and basketball. He was enjoyed playing basketball at the Father Bell Center and supported the Hispanic Health Fair by being an active volunteer along side his mother Martha, demonstrating his deep love for helping others. His sense of community was one of his defining qualities—Jose was always there to lend a hand and bring people together. Jose’s strength, resilience, and unwavering determination were evident in every aspect of his life. He taught all who knew him the value of perseverance, encouraging others to “never give up, always keep your head up, and refuse to lose.” His legacy will live on in the lessons he imparted and the lives he touched. Jose is survived by his children: Michelle McArthur-Ortiz (Damar), Arik Ortiz (Amanda), Sonya Ortiz, Joanna Ortiz, Izaria Ortiz (Xander), Josean Ortiz, Zion Ortiz, his grandchildren: Damar Jr., Marco, Arik Jr., Ezra, Payton, Alayah, Xiomy, X’Zavier, Josh, Abel; his mother: Martha Oliveras; his siblings: Carmen Ortiz (Josh), Vanessa Tirado, David Tirado, Francis Torres ; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who all loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jose Luis “PJ” Ortiz IV, Father Jose Luis Ortiz II, and Carmen Cruz, Miguel Agosto, Roberto Agosto, and Angel Agosto-Ortiz. Jose was a beacon of light to his family and friends. His love and presence will be missed deeply, but we take comfort in the knowledge that “Goodbye is not forever. Goodbye is not the end. It simply means I'll miss you until we meet again.”

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