Paul Ortiz, Jr.

Born on May 14, 1942, to Paul Ortiz Sr. and Theresa Castillo Ortiz, Paul lived a life full of love, laughter, and commitment. On August 17, 1963, he married his lifelong partner, Rita (Barrera) Ortiz. Together, they shared nearly fifty years of marriage and raised five wonderful daughters, building a home filled with love and tradition.

Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rita, daughter Paulette Marie, parents, brother Robert Ortiz, and sisters Theresa Soltero and Carol Miller. He retired after more than 30 years of dedicated service at the Thomas J. Lipton Company.

He is survived by his daughters: Andrea (Joe) Arroyo, Monica Ortiz, Gerarda Ortiz (Sam Sparks), and Teresa (Ramon) Rodriguez; grandchildren: Sierra, Christopher, Serena, Ramon, Anthony, Paul, and Carlos; brothers: Joe, Henry, Michael, Johnny, Andy, and Charlie; and sisters: Delores Marcase, Rita Hernandez, Linda Garcia, Tina Padilla, and Debbie Ortiz.

A visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Guardian Angels Church, 1013 Westport Rd., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM. Interment will take place at Forest Hill Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.

Paul was a man of many passions – a true sports fanatic. He was a loyal supporter of KU basketball, the Kansas City Royals, and especially his adored Kansas City Chiefs. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing fastpitch softball, outdoor volleyball and bowling. He spent many seasons coaching T-ball - including coaching all his grandchildren, a role he was deeply proud of.

Among other things, he was an avid reader, whether it was the Inquirer, gossip magazines or mystery novels. His daily ritual of reading the newspaper from front to back was a testament to being informed, a habit he kept until he no longer could.

A true social soul, Paul found joy in the company of his family and compadres. His love for music never faded, and he proudly considered himself the Fred Astaire of the dance floor.

His final years were impacted by the challenges of dementia, but a quiet inner strength remained. Our father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend will be greatly missed. He was loved and fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, to support others living with Alzheimer’s and dementia: http://act.alz.org/goto/PaulOhisfightisourfight