Luis Antonio Ortiz, 99, of Fair Haven, passed away July 12 of natural causes.
Luis was born in Coamo, Puerto Rico and came to the United States as a teenager. His military service began in August 1943 in the United States Marine Corps. He served in both World War ll and the Korean War. Luis completed his service and was honorably discharged in September 1951. He is recognized for his military accomplishments at the Wall of Honor in Fair Haven.
Luis settled in Bayonne with his wife Lucy and eventually moved to Belford in 1958, where they raised two children. They then relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan where he embarked on a career selling food processing machinery. After 36 years he retired as the president of Werner Lehara International. He travelled to over 50 countries and was a member of the first trade mission to China under President Richard Nixon.
Luis was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years Lucy and his grandson Jeffrey. He is survived by his son Louis Ortiz (Gloria); daughter Diana Callahan (Gregory); grandchildren Kristen (Josue), Lauren (Anthony), Melanie, Sierra and Evan; and great-grandchildren, Brandon, Juliana, Alysandra and Anthony.
A celebration of his life will occur at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Semper Fi & America’s Fund at semperfifund.org. Thompson Memorial Home in Red Bank was entrusted with the arrangements.
The article originally appeared in the July 23 – 29, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
