Rudy P. Ortiz

Rudy P. Ortiz, a hardworking, faithful, and family-centered man, entered into the loving arms of Our Lord on May 23, 2025 at the age of 92. He was born in San Antonio, Texas on January 2, 1933 to parents, Carmen Pequeno and Frank Ortiz. Rudy lived a life defined by devotion—devotion to his work, his church, and above all, his family.

Rudy attended Fox Tech High School before answering the call to serve his country. In 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served honorably until 1955. During his military service, Rudy earned both the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, a reflection of his integrity, discipline, and commitment. His skills and work ethic led him to continue his service in a different capacity—he began working at Kelly Air Force Base, where he remained until his retirement in 1987. There, he built a respected career as an aircraft mechanic and eventually as Chief of Aircraft Structures for B-52s, proudly supporting the nation's defense with every detail he perfected. Known for his “I can fix it” attitude, Rudy was the kind of person you could always count on. Whether it was a broken tool or a tough day, he met every challenge with confidence and determination. He poured that same spirit into his love for family barbecues, mastering brisket, chicken, his special fajitas, and beans, and his homemade french fries that made every cookout a cherished event.

Rudy volunteered often at his church, Christ the King Catholic Church, always happy to lend a hand wherever needed. A proud member of the Holy Name Society, he found joy and purpose in giving back to his faith community and helping others through quiet acts of service.

He deeply loved spending time with his family. One of his favorite traditions was the annual trip to Garner State Park, where countless memories were made. Rudy (Popo) also had a special way of marking the passage of time: every time his grandchildren—and later his great-grandchildren—came to visit, he would measure their height on the same doorway in his home. Those marks, now a timeline of love and growth, are a powerful symbol of the legacy he leaves behind.

Rudy will be reunited in heaven with his loving parents, Carmen and Frank Ortiz; siblings, Frank Ortiz Jr., and Edward Ortiz.

His memory will forever live in his loving wife of 67 years, Elia Ortiz; son, Rudy Ortiz Jr. (Rosalie); siblings, Celia Culbert, Jose Miguel Ortiz, Consuelo Moncivalles (Edward), Concepcion “Connie” Cano, Rosemary Doerhoff (Darrell) and Enriqueta Garza. Grandchildren, Rudy, III (Carol), Adam (Liz), Ryan (Patricia), Valerie (Brandon), Sabrina (Diego), Kathy, Noel (Vanessa), and Lori (Danny); great-grandchildren, Ryan, Holly, Isabel, Leonel “Leo”, Jeremiah, Lorenzo, Monique, Angelina, Danika, Kendrick, Makenzie, Carter, Kole, Aurora, Mason, Riley, and two babies on the way. Rudy (Popo) will be remembered for his generous heart, his love for his family, his steady hands, his laughter, his barbecue and the family time we all spent together. “Popo you will truly be missed”.

A visitation for Rudy will be held Monday, June 9, 2025 starting at 5:00 PM with the Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino Funeral Home. A Mass of The Resurrection will occur Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church with the interment to follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.