Gene "Geno" Ortiz

Gene “Geno” Ortiz passed away suddenly on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Florida Hospital Flagler. He was born on December 12, 1960 in Ramapo, NY to Jeane Ortiz and Gloria E. Statler (Torres). Gene was a former member of the Hispanic American Club for many years. He enjoyed fishing on his boat, and mostly with anyone who wanted to tag along and spend time with him doing his favorite thing. Everyone knew Geno for his “handy-man” touch, to his car mechanic knowledge and skills that even led to one of his major pride and joy’s—his 1957 Chevy Bellaire that he named “La Nena.” His greatest joy in life was his family and friends, he loved to spend as much time with them as possible. Gene was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria E. Torres; sister, Diane Paterno in 1991; sister, Suzanne Ortiz Ufret just last month. Survivors include his wife of 3 years, Aleida A. Ortiz; daughter, Michelle (James) Vitello; son, Eugene Ortiz; step-daughter, Gabriella del Orbe; step-sons, Gabriel, Alexander and Xavier del Orbe; granddaughter, Emmanuelle Vitello; Aunts, Nellie Colucci and Minnie Olivo; nephew, Derrick Melendez; niece, Stephanie Hunsicker; cousin, Chacho Olivo; best-friends, Moses Rosario, Ghasis “Brooks” Shakir; and mother of his children, Martha Estrella Ortiz. A memorial gathering celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2017, 6:00PM – 7:00PM at the chapel of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Rd. South, Flagler Beach. Service will begin at 7:00PM. Arrangements are in the care and trust of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens.