George A. Ortiz

George A. Ortiz, 99, of Pharsalia, NY, passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at the NYS Veterans Home at Oxford.

Mr. Ortiz was born in N. Hackensack, NJ, on June 22, 1919, the son of the late George W. and Albertine Heitsche Ortiz.  A longtime resident of the area, he was a member of the South Otselic United Methodist Church.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII – American Theatre.  He retired from the Cincinnatus Central School where he had worked as a school bus driver.  He had also been  a self-employed auctioneer and a licensed real estate broker.

He is survived by his children, Jaq (George) Bonham of Cortland, Jeri (James) Kober of Macedon, and Michael (Debbie) Ortiz of Raleigh, NC.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Toby (Elizabeth) Bonham, Amber (Crispian) DeLarm, Jodi (John) O’Dell, Alan (Amanda) Altman, Kelsey (Brett) Bock, Alexa (Magnus) Mortensen, and Lauren (Brian) Ross; several great-grandchildren; and a sister, Muriel Breeze of Florida; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Joan Lillan Ortiz; a daughter, Jill Crandall; grandchildren, Kary and Corbette Bonham; a brother, Robert Ortiz; and a sister, Doris Hyland.

Memorial services will be held at the South Otselic United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at a time to be announced, with his daughter, Reverend Jeri Kober officiating.  There will be no prior calling hours.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Ortiz may be directed to the South Otselic United Methodist Church, 102 Clarence Church Road, South Otselic, NY 13155.