Fred Ortega

He passed away after a brief stay in the hospital on Friday, March 4th 2022. Fred was married twice in his lifetime, his 1st wife Patsy Franco, to whom they had 3 children Lucy, Juan and Connie. He's 2nd marriage was to Julia Ortega. Although he was born in Calvert , he had brief stays in Dallas and in Bryan /College Station before settling in Houston. You would have never known that about Fred because he loved living in the city, raising his children and great love for All of the Houston sports teams. Fred was a devoted Husband during the marriages, Father, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother, Uncle Godfather and friend to all. He was a hard working man and worked in the air conditioning business for over 50 years. During that time he also helped and mentored his son, brother-in-laws ,nephews into the same line of work. Fred never went to visit anyone empty handed, he always took donuts, sweet bread, fruit or tamales. Christmas time he would pass out tubs of popcorn. He loved to talk and share stories of his days of working at various jobs or family struggles and triumphs throughout his youth or teenager years. He would also tell a lot of jokes and was very quick witted with words. He was never one to shy away from shedding a tear of joy or sadness. We called that a "Ortega thing". Anytime we had a family gathering if someone gave a speech or words of emotion were expressed by anyone it was a sure thing that if you saw Tio Fred tearing up that others would soon be crying as well. Another thing to say about Fred is that he had a love for animals ,there was never a stray dog or cat that didn't find a way to his house. He will come up with different names like Girl, Loca ,Bertha, Killer and many more. His newest dog was name Turbo but Fred would simply call him Toby. Fred love to cook especially making menudo and inviting his kids over to have some. You will never find a more devoted man or father than Fred , also known as Old Man , Slick or Uncle Fred.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents John and Juanita V. Ortega, His sister Lupe Chavarria Brother in law Jesse Chavarria, Sister Erminia Ortega, Brother Lucky Ortega and Brother in law Abraham Sustaita.

He is survived by his children & their spouses he loved as his own - Lucy Eiland (Eric), Juan Ortega, Sr. (Tangie), Connie Essex (George). His grandchildren: Adam Ortega and wife Julie , Derrick Korn, Andrew Ortega and wife Stephanie , Jessica Ruiz and husband David , John Ortega, Jr and wife Charlene , Michael Ortegon, Daniel Korn, Vanessa Ortega and Paige Ortega-Eesex. Great grandchildren: Emmanuel, Joel , Seleven,Kaylee, Adrian, Julian-Jay ,Seveah , Damien, Aidan,Jayson, Noah ,Aaron, Ophelia, Caeden & Austin & three God children .

Serving as pallbearers will be Adam Ortega, Derrick Korn, Andrew Ortega, John Ortega Jr., Michael Ortegon, and Daniel Korn.

He is also survived by his siblings Mary Sustaia, Janie Esparza , Brother in law George & Sister in law Janie, several nieces & nephews; several great nieces/nephews and extended family through his marriage to Julia Ortega and many friends.