Peter J. Ortel, 82, passed away Friday, October 28, 2022 at home. Born in Bronx, NY, he was lovingly raised by the late Mildred Carboni Lofredo and was the son of the late Pedro Rodriguez and Josephina Llauger.
A proud US Army Veteran, Peter served from August 1961 until July 1963 as a Military Police Officer. While on leave from the Army for Christmas in 1962, Peter lovingly proposed to Madelyn Logan. The two were married November 16, 1963, just three months after his honorable discharge.
Peter retired from the NYFD, Rescue 3 in 1987 after a 21 year career. He then began his second career as a Gold Leaf Decorator where he worked designing intricate gold leaf scrolls and hand lettering on firetrucks. Peter enjoyed woodcarving and teaching others how to carve. What began as a hobby became his last career as a National Award Winner and woodcarving instructor. He was a member and past president of the Caricature Carvers of America as well as a member of the National Woodcarvers of America, Waterway Woodcarvers, Charlotte Woodcarvers, and Cape Fear Woodcarvers.
His love of the Fire Department, those who served, those lost while serving, and those who continue to serve, was never ending. Following the attack of 911, where the entire company of Rescue 3 who were working that day lost their lives, Peter volunteered to search and recover at Ground Zero. He carved a beautiful statue in recognition of the 343 Brothers who perished and that statue still sits in the Fire Station of Rescue 3, FDNY.
In 2007, Peter retired from his final career and he and Madelyn made their home in Longs, SC. He was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Peter remained close to the FDNY and was a member of FDNY Carolina Retirees Association.
Peter was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. His unwavering love was evident in everything he did, and he will be greatly missed.
Surviving in addition to his wife Madelyn are his children, Peter Ortel, Jr. (Henny), Tommy Ortel, Robb Ortel (Jennifer); grandson, Christian Ortel; granddaughter, Lily Ortel; brothers, Skip Giacco, Ronald McGinnis, Joe Rodriguez, Edwin Rodriguez, Carlo Rodriguez; sisters, Alice Franzella, Andrea Papalexatos; numerous nieces and nephews. Peter was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Giacco and sister, Helen Hernandez.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 4, 2022 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at Lee Funeral Home and Crematory, 11840 Highway 90, Little River, SC.
The family requests memorials be made to Tunnels to Towers.
Please share memories and condolences at www.leefhandcrematory.com
