John Gabriel Ortiz (Gabe) age 63 passed away Monday morning, July 10, at his home in Houston, Tx. He is preceded in death by his son, Austin and his parents, Manuel and Dolores Ortiz. Gabe is survived by his wife, Debbie, sons Anthony and Andrew (Jessica), sister Felecia, brother Andrew (Rosalinda) Uncle and best friend, George Cortez, his Godmother and very special Aunt, Yolanda Cothran, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, nephew, grandson and friend. Gabe lived his entire life in The Heights. Growing up, Gabe was no stranger to any sport or to Heights Little League where he played his early days of pee wee baseball through senior league baseball. Gabe will always be remembered as the Heights Little League Homerun Champ. Gabe attended John H. Reagan High School and graduated with highest honors in 1978. Immediately following his graduation, Gabe began his long career as an electrician. Gabe had the honor of working side by side with his father for many years and eventually started his own electrical company, AND Electric. Gabe retired in 2021. Gabe married his bride, Debbie on May 15, 1982. Gabe and Debbie have two sons, Anthony and Andrew, and on April 15, 2021, Gabe was blessed with becoming a grandpa to Andrew Jackson, Jr. (Jackson). In two short years, Gabe and Jackson became best friends, and Gabe’s eyes would light up each time he saw Jackson either in person or on face time. Gabe was also blessed to become Godfather to Sophia Loraine Reyes at the age of four months. From that moment on, Gabe would forever be known as “unkie” and Sophia as “Gabe’s girl”. Gabe, Felecia and Andy shared a special brother and sister bond that could not be broken. Though they didn’t always see eye to eye, their unconditional love for each other was surpassed only by Gabe’s sense of pride for his brother and sister. If you know Gabe, you know his passion for the University of Texas Longhorns. From a very young age, Gabe became an avid Longhorns fan and remained passionate about all things Longhorn. You could ask him anything about Longhorn football, baseball or basketball, and 99% of the time he knew the answer. He also loved the Astros and was so happy when they won the world series. Gabe never met a stranger. He was actively involved with the West Gray Multi-Service Center and attended regularly until his illness in April where he made so many good friends who remained near and dear to his heart. Gabe would also frequent Kroger on west 20th. There everyone called him “HEB”, and again, Gabe made many lasting friendships there and with the METRO Lift drivers who so kindly transported Gabe wherever he needed to go. We would like to express our gratitude to everyone for your support, kind words and prayers during Gabe’s illness and passing. RIP Gabe and know how much you are loved and missed. Hugs, kisses and Hook’em Horns 4-ever and always!
A visitation for John will be held Monday, July 17, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Tuesday, 11:00AM to 8:00 PM, at Heights Funeral Home. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM Tuesday. Funeral mass is scheduled for Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 Brinkman St., Houston, Texas 77018. Committal will follow at Brookside Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Ortiz family.
