February 17, 1932 – May 31, 2024
Thank you all for joining us today to celebrate Luis Ortega’s life. Your support is deeply appreciated. My Dad was known to his grandchildren and great grandchild as “Belo” short for Abuelo which is grandfather in Spanish.
My father left this life and entered eternity on May 31, 2024, at approximately 6:20pm and is now in the presence of the Lord and beside him is his love, my mother, Delia Ortega. It is never easy to say good-bye, but it is important even if we will see him again. We are here because my father meant so much to us. It is hard to put into words how much he will be missed and what a positive impact he had on each of us.
Luis Ortega was born in Havana, Cuba on February 17, 1932, to my grandfather, Francisco Ortega and my grandmother, Maria Emelia Cordova. As an adult, my father played professional baseball in Cuba for Team Havana. He was offered a contract to play baseball for the AAA minors affiliated with the Washington Senators sometime in the 60s. That meant he would have to leave my mother and me behind. My father refused to leave my mother and me behind sacrificing his dream to possibly play for Major League Baseball someday and continued to play for Team Havana. My father along with my mother and me came to this country in pursuit of the American dream in 1968. My father was the founder and President of the Chicago Cuban Baseball League in 1976. Many Cuban youths made friendships that lasted a lifetime through this league. My father had a close relationship with and is survived by his son (Jose Ortega), his daughter-in-law (Rosy Ortega), his Granddaughter (Nicole Abdallah), his Grandson (Alex Ortega) their spouses and his Great Grandson (Xavier Abdallah).
I know each of you are very saddened by my father’s passing. And today, as we grieve together, I want to highlight what made him so special. If I had to use just three words to describe my father, I would say: he was kind, loving, and had an intoxicating smile. I am sure each of you could add lots more, as I know you experienced Luis Ortega’s love in a special way.
As you may know, my father loved his family and others deeply and enjoyed each moment he got to spend with. He made a powerful impact on many of our lives. I admire the way my father lived and loved. I know that my children treasure the special times they spent talking on the way home after he picked them up from school. We will miss Luis Ortega so much; he will forever be in our hearts.
Thank you all once again for honoring Luis Ortega's life with your presence today. We love you Belo!!!!!
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