It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Angel Raymond Ortega on January 22nd 2018 in Thousand Oaks, California. Angel was given life on October 2, 1924 in Piru, California and was called home to Our Lord at the age of 93.
Born to Ignacio Ortega and Amanda Abalos Ortega he was the fourth of ten children. Angel is survived by Son Michael Ortega, Son Mark Ortega, Daughter Lisa Ortega Tovar (husband Robert Tovar), Daughter in law Terri Ramirez Ortega, Sister Connie Ruiz, Sister Delfina Ortega, Sister Catherine Cervantes, Brother Henry Ortega, Grandchildren Camaille Ortega Torres (husband Andrew Torres), Tara Ortega, Sarah Tovar Burton (husband Mathew Burton), Rachel Tovar, Olivia Tovar, Kathryn Tovar, Eve Tovar, Luke Tovar, Mary-Grace Tovar and Isabella Tovar. Great grandchildren Mia Torres, Dallas Torres, Miles Torres, Joaquin Torres, Saul Tovar, Asher Burton, and Aria Burton. He enjoyed countless nieces and nephews.
Angel married Lucille Savala Ortega and had five children, Robert, Richard, Michael, Mark, and Lisa that they raised in the Piru/Fillmore area.
Angel enlisted in the US Army in 1942. He was a Corporal in the 75th infantry that saw action at “The Battle of the Bulge” in Belgium during WWII. He was a founding member of Friday night tri-tip BBQ at Fillmore High School football games. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting, Dodger baseball games, Fillmore High sports and morning coffee with friends. Angel was chosen as the Homecoming Grand Marshall in 1977 which has been awarded to two of his sons as well. His time was always available for building dunk tanks, driving floats, or whatever was needed. His 4th of July and Christmas celebrations were legendary. His house always had an open door policy. Friends and family enjoyed good company, good food, and drink. An atmosphere of family and belonging to all who entered his door which made him the cornerstone of the neighborhood.
Angel Ortega loved to laugh. He also loved to make people laugh. Whether it was a stranger or an old friend, he always had a joke, story, or a wisecrack at the ready.
Angel worked as a butcher at Lechler’s store in Piru. He then moved on to Fillmore/Piru Unified School District where he was a groundskeeper/bus driver at Piru and Fillmore schools. After retirement from the school district he worked for Patterson’s Hardware for twenty years.
Angel is preceded in death by his Parents Ignacio Ortega and Amanda Abalos Ortega, Wife Lucille Ortega, Son Robert Ortega, Son Richard Ortega, Sister Mary Rangel, Sister Ramona Golson, Sister Jenny Ruiz, Brother Victor Ortega, and Brother Joe (Guero) Ortega.
Mass will be said for Angel Ortega on Saturday February 3rd at 9:00 A.M. in Fillmore at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Reception immediately following in the church hall.