Roberto F. Ortiz

Roberto F. Ortiz, a cherished soul known for his boundless generosity and infectious laughter, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Born on November 1, 1939, in Kenedy, Texas, to Antonia and Cruz Ortiz, who preceded him in passing, Roberto's life was a testament to the enduring spirit of love and hard work.

Roberto left his small hometown at the age of 15 where he said was the biggest small city in the world, Kenedy, Texas. He only made it to the fifth grade because he was out in the cotton fields helping his mother and father to support their large family. Roberto left Kenedy on his own where he started as a cook in a small restaurant for $2 a day. He then moved on to construction. Some of the projects he worked on include the HemisFair tower and Frost Bank downtown. He went on to have his own construction company and was very successful at it for a boy with a 5th grade education from his beloved Kenedy Texas. He would frequently return home to visit his mother who he adored with all his heart always leaving her with wads of money.

His hands, skilled and strong, later guided heavy machinery and shaped wood as a carpenter. Roberto took pride in his work, and his legacy is etched into the very walls of the house he built with love and precision. His talent extended to the creation of wooden benches, which he crafted and sold, each piece a reflection of his dedication to his craft.

Family was the cornerstone of Roberto's world. He is survived by his beloved spouse, Sylvia Ortiz. His daughter, Veronica Sanchez, her husband, Andrew, and their children, Fabian, Davian, and Lucian. His son, Chris Ortiz with his wife Monica and their children, Christian, Destinee, and Matilyn. Roberto's son, Gilbert Ortiz, and his daughter Faith. Roberto is also survived by his eldest son, Robert Ortiz Jr. and great-grandchildren Leilani, Kristianna, Ivianna, Julianna, Zaylianna, and Zane.

Roberto's passions were as varied as they were heartfelt. Carpentry was not just a job but a pastime he adored, and his green thumb brought plants to life with the same care he gave to his family and friends. The Guadalupe River was a place of solace and joy for him, where he could be found basking in the beauty of nature. His laughter and singing were the soundtrack to many gatherings, where he was always a generous host making sure everyone was fed with his delicious cooking. Roberto always threw huge parties where he and his wife’s family would come and dance all night long.

His presence was marked by the rumble of his tractor, which he enjoyed working on. Roberto's love for his guns and knives was well-known, he was known to always carry a gun or knife on him and enjoyed shooting on his property in Texas. Roberto also had many stories, always telling of good and bad times, always new ones that his family all loved to hear. He would always amaze those listening with his numerous and sometimes unbelievable stories. Including stories of the many life-threatening times when he was shot at, struck by lightning, hit by a car when walking; he told of surviving a heart attack, as well as covid in his 80's!

Roberto's impeccable style was unmatched; he was always dressed to the nines, in his ironed clothes and stylish hat, he carried himself with a grace that was both effortless and admirable. His presence was a comfort and a joy to those around him, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

Roberto F. Ortiz will be remembered as a man who was handy, loving, and generous. His life was a beautiful tapestry of the moments he shared and the lives he touched. Though he has left this earthly realm, his spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. His was a life well-lived, full of purpose, passion, and love. We bid farewell to a remarkable man, whose memory will be forever etched in our hearts.