Robert P. Ortiz

Robert P. Ortiz, 50, of Salisbury, died on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center after a long and courageous battle with ALS. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, TX on September 20, 1963, he was the son of Rudolfo and Amelia Pena Ortiz of Corpus Christi, TX.

Robert graduated from Roy Miller High School in Corpus Christi, TX. Over the years, he worked in a variety of fields, including Delmarva Community Services, the City of Salisbury, Johnson’s Seed and Feed, and the Worcester County Health Department. He especially enjoyed his work at Johnson’s, where he shared his knowledge and love of roses with his customers. He was a member of the Bay Country Rose Society and won several awards for his beautiful roses. Robert was an avid fisherman. When he was no longer able to walk, his beloved friends ensured he was able to attend and cared for him while he was there.

Robert loved landscaping and working in his rose garden. He found great joy in sharing his roses with neighbors and friends who would visit. Robert knew no strangers. He made friends wherever he went and with all types of people (also known as his “crews”). His contagious smile would reassure those around him that everything would be okay.

Robert is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Nicolasa Flores; paternal grandparents, Cirildo and Isabella Alaniz and a brother, Richard P. Ortiz.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving wife, Amy Ortiz of Salisbury; three children, Deandre, Julia and Ethan, all of Salisbury. He is also survived by six brothers, Rudy Ortiz, Jr. (Bertha), Adolph Ortiz, Sr. (Gloria), Raymond P. Ortiz, Ronald P. Ortiz, Sr. (Veronica), Ruben P. Ortiz (Linda) and Ralph P. Ortiz: four sisters; San Juanita Garrett, Sandra Flores (Ted), Patricia Ortiz (Ruben Fino) and Bernadine Ortiz (Victor Salas); two special people he considered sons, Tyree Fountain and Will Skeeter. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Shirley Gargeu; sister-in-law, Gina Gargeu (Jim Yannatelli). He leaves behind many nieces, nephews and devoted friends who stood by him through his battle with ALS.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2PM on Saturday, June 28, 2014. Burial was held in Parsons Cemetery in Salisbury, Maryland.