Henry Ortega Cortinas

Henry was a strong, caring, and proud man whose love and dedication to his family and home were unwavering. He stood by his wife, Monica, offering strength and support during times of family challenges and health struggles. Henry was a loving, caring, and supportive husband, and the bond he shared with Monica was a testament to his deep commitment to those he held dear. He took immense pride in maintaining their home, ensuring both the front and back yards were always pristine and beautiful.

Henry found great joy in witnessing his children, Vince and Veronica, grow into successful and loving adults and parents. He cherished his daughter-in-law, Jessica, and held deep pride for his grandchildren as they graduated from college: Alex, from Syracuse University; Danielle, the University of Redlands; and Lexi, from the University of South Carolina. Beyond his family, Henry had a few close friends, and though his circle may have been small, his loyalty and generosity knew no bounds. The friends he did have knew they could count on him for anything—he was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help those he cared about.

Henry was not only a devoted husband and father but also a protective, reliable, and funny man who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. At times, he juggled as many as three jobs to ensure his loved ones were always taken care of. Despite his quiet and private nature, he valued the close friendships he cultivated, often inviting friends like Lucette, Brian, and Cathy over for dinner. In his typical humorous fashion, Henry would famously say, "When are you going home?"—a line that brought laughter, whether they were at his house or a restaurant.

Henry had a deep appreciation for travel, particularly to the Caribbean, where he enjoyed visiting places like Jamaica, the Bahamas, and his favorite, Saint Lucia. In recent years, he found joy in evenings at the casino, playing his favorite slot machines, BUFFALO, with Jessica. Together, they’d tease Monica and Vinnie, playfully calling them "losers" when luck wasn’t on their side. His sense of humor and playful spirit brought light to every moment.

Henry’s love for life was reflected not only in his travels but also in the simple pleasures: enjoying a Crumbl cookie, sipping a favorite Starbucks drink, sharing breadsticks at Olive Garden, or indulging in a delicious Mexican dinner. He adored his dogs, Charlie and Andy, and their companionship brought him immense happiness. These small, joyful moments will forever remind us of Henry, as will the countless ways he touched our lives.

Though Henry faced a difficult childhood, losing his father at the age of nine and having to fend for himself starting at just 13, he rose above his challenges to become an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His resilience, determination, and love shaped the man we were so fortunate to call our own. Henry’s presence and charisma could fill any room, and though humble, he likely never fully realized the profound impact he had on everyone who knew and loved him.

He was a true warrior for his family; a man whose strength and love were the foundation upon which his family flourished. While our hearts ache with the loss of such an extraordinary man, we are also filled with gratitude for the memories and lessons he left us. He taught us to savor the little things—an early dinner, the sweetness of dessert, the beauty of a vibrant sunset, and the comfort of a family pet. These were the treasures of his life, and they will forever be a part of ours.

Henry leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and cherished memories. While his passing creates an irreplaceable void, we will carry his spirit in our hearts, forever grateful for the gifts of his life. He will be missed in countless ways but remembered with endless love.