Frank Adolfo Ortega, 91, of Olney, Maryland, passed away on September 9, 2020, at his home surrounded by his wife and children.
Frank was born in Santiago, Chile to Elizabeth Bilheimer Fulton and Amable Francesco Ortega-Cavada on November 30, 1928. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1946, along with his twin brother, on their 18th Birthday. He went to school at Weehawken High School in Weehawken, New Jersey. After graduating with a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University in 1950, Frank met Mary Melnick while working at the Matheny School for children with physical disabilities. They were married on September 29, 1951 in Somerville, New Jersey. Frank earned a master’s degree in Hospital Administration from Baylor University in 1965. He also completed Joint Professional Military Education at the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College (CGSC), Ft. Leavenworth, KS, 1968-1969.
Frank served in the Regular Army of the United States for 24 years and retired as a full Colonel. He later worked as a personnel administrator for the Vitro Corporation for 15 years. He served tours in Germany and Korea and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. While stationed in Korea, Frank organized the construction of the Myong Jiu Children’s Home for Orphans and actively participated in activities there, including teaching the children to play soccer. The children affectionately called him “Eisenhower”, a moniker he accepted, and he was recognized and honored by the Mayor of Seoul for his dedication and efforts. He was awarded 12 Decorations and Service Medals including the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star. His military career included: Company Commander, Ft. Sam Houston, TX; Adjutant, Valley Forge General Hospital (Army); Office of the Surgeon General (Army) - Program Planning and EEO activities; Executive Officer, 67th Medical Group, Da Nang, Vietnam – the group supported Army Medical activities and facilities throughout South Vietnam; and Chief of Personnel, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
Col. Ortega was actively involved with his children, family, and community. He served on numerous Maryland and Montgomery County organizations and boards, often as the Chairperson. These included the Montgomery County United Way, Combined Health Appeal, Corporate Volunteer Committee, Health Services Planning Board, Maryland Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, Montgomery County High Blood Pressure Control Committee, and the American Red Cross Blood Donor Program. The Col. served as President and board member of Centers for the Handicapped, Inc. He was recognized for his work championing initiatives for the hiring of Maryland citizens with disabilities by Governor Harry Hughes (1984) and Governor William Schaefer (1988).
As an Eagle Scout himself, the Col. served as Scoutmaster for Troops 756 and 437 with both sons also achieving the rank of Eagle. He was a founding member of the Olney Soccer Club and served as a coach and Club President.
Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Amable and Elizabeth Ortega; and sister Sally. Frank is survived by his wife, Mary M. Ortega, two sons, Perry and Douglas (spouse Brenda), daughter Lili Denine, twin brother Wilbur; five grandchildren: Lance (spouse Solly), Heather (spouse Charles Richards), Jennifer (spouse Cameron Sayer), Sydney and Jaymin; three great-grandchildren: Dahlia, Wyn and MacLeod; sister-in-law Sophia Stump; niece Deborah (spouse Guy Griscom), grandniece Danielle, grandnephew Guy Eric, cousin Marcy Davis and numerous relatives in South America.
The Ortega Family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Richard Kurnot and Dr. Anup Vora of the Chesapeake Urology team in Silver Spring, MD; Dr. Noah Hahn, Urology Oncologist at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD; and the Clinicians and staff members of the Montgomery MedStar Hospital, Olney, MD. A special thanks goes out to Angela Serrano, Social Worker with the Palliative Care office, Montgomery MedStar, Olney, MD.
There will be a memorial service for Frank on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA. Visitation will be at 1 PM followed by the memorial service at 2 PM and a reception at 3 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Centers for the Handicapped Inc. (CHI) at http://chiservices.org/waystogive/, 10501 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20903, (301) 445-3350.
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