Edmundo Estrella Ortanez

November 20, 1954 – February 9, 2026

Edmundo “Ed” Ortanez passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after living with ALS. He faced his illness with determination. He had his moments and spoke his mind, but he always found a way to smile and keep going.

Ed was born on November 20, 1954, in Olympia, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines, the son of Milagros Ortanez and the late Domingo Pioponco Ortanez Sr. Growing up, he learned the value of hard work at a young age. As a boy, he and his siblings climbed mountains to gather firewood and helped harvest rice. By the age of 12, he had become a strong swimmer and skilled diver. These early experiences shaped the strength and work ethic he carried throughout his life.

At 21, he brought that determination with him when he moved to the United States and later proudly served four years in the United States Navy. After his military service, he worked alongside his sibling and learned to repair big rig trucks. He later built a long and dedicated career as a bus mechanic with SamTrans, where he worked for 27 years.

Ed took pride in his work and was someone others could always count on. He never missed a day of work, and his dedication earned the respect of his supervisors and recognition as Employee of the Year.

Outside of work, Ed believed in staying busy and active. He enjoyed working on cars, gardening, and taking on projects around the house, always finding something to fix or improve. He stayed physically active throughout his life, walking daily and training alongside his daughter in Muay Thai and Spartan workouts. Staying active wasn’t just a habit for him. It was a way of life.

That same commitment stayed with him when his health began to change.

He believed movement was a gift. Even after his diagnosis, he kept showing up to therapy and getting in the pool, fighting to maintain his strength for as long as he could. He did not focus on what he was losing. He focused on what he still had. He wanted to hold on to every step, every day. More than anything, he wanted to keep living.

Ed was sincere in everything he did. When he gave his time, his help, or his care, he gave it fully and without hesitation. He showed his love through action. He was generous with his time and energy, always ready to help, share a meal, and take care of others. He enjoyed many kinds of food, but his favorite was always his wife Jackie’s cooking.

Above all, Ed loved his family. He shared a strong bond with his wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” Ortanez, his mahal, and was a proud father to Lauren and Andrea.

Ed is survived by his wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” Ortanez; his daughters, Lauren and Andrea; his mother, Milagros Ortanez; his loyal companions, Benji and Simba; and his siblings: Elena Ortanez, Doroteo Ortanez, Domingo Ortanez Jr., Juanita Claycomb, Emma Ortanez, Estella Ortanez, Virginia Ortanez Eggert, Nieves Kalejan, Peter Ortanez, Remigio Ortanez, and Marcelino Ortanez. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who loved him dearly.

Ed didn’t talk much about what he did for others. He just showed up.

That was the way he lived his life.

That is how he will be remembered.

A memorial service will be held at Brentwood Funeral Home, located at 839 First Street, Brentwood, CA 94513, on March 5, 2026, starting at 4:00 pm.

Inurnment will take place at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, located at 5810 Midway Rd, Dixon, CA 95620, on March 6, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:00 am.