Juan E Ortega

Juan Enrique Ortega, age 76, of Pasadena, Texas, peacefully went to be with our Lord on 02/06/2024. He was born in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico on 12/22/1947 to Isidoro and Ascencion Ortega and was one of seven children. Juan was married to his loving and beautiful wife of 51 years, Maria Ortega. And together, they created a strong beautiful family of three daughters.

Juan had a career in carpentry and worked for Taylor Portable Buildings for 25 years. He was a proud member of The Knights of Columbus of St. Juan Diego Catholic Church and had a passion for providing for his family and helping his church community.

Juan came to Pasadena, TX in 1980 and he and his family became members of Guardian Angel Catholic Church, later to become St. Juan Diego Catholic Church. He proudly served the parish for over 40 years. Whether it was building podiums, installing light fixtures, leading the Loteria game at church bazaars, or more recently, weekly donut drop offs to the Saturday Rosary, Juan never hesitated to offer a helping hand and he did it with genuine kindness. His devotion to his church and serving as an usher for Sunday morning mass was one of his many displays of ‘Time, Talent and Treasure.’ Most notably, handing out the Sunday bulletin to parishioners as they exited mass, with his heartwarming smile and peace.

His love for his wife, daughters and family was closely matched by his love for baseball. If there was a Houston Astros game going on, you can bet he was wearing his Astros gear and asking “where are we watching the game?” Attending games with his daughters, or group attendance with his nieces and nephews, were the highlight of any baseball season for Juan. And taking a picture with our local celebrity “Mattress Mack” was the icing on the cake.

Juan was a handy man through and through. If there was a project that needed to be done, he was there in a flash, for anyone, any time, and without hesitation. All he needed was to pull up with his truck bed loaded with the tools and equipment necessary to accomplish the task.

To say Juan will be missed for his heart, dedication and hard work is only the tip of the iceberg. His personality was beyond compare. Juan’s charisma and incredible sense of humor earned him an immeasurable amount of friends throughout his lifetime. Behind that mischievous smile, was a top prankster and a man with a great sense of humor. He loved life and loved to laugh and to make others laugh. No one was safe from a good joke or prank of Juan’s. And the stories, details, and facts he stored in his memory as well as his daily journal, were priceless.

Some of his most beloved pastimes were listening to some good music or watching his favorite actress on the big screen. Anyone who knew Juan knew of his endless fandom of Sandra Bullock and Selena Quintanilla. Just ask about his posters proudly displayed in his home.

Juan was a strong man. A man of immeasurable faith. A man with the most welcoming smile and hug, and the strongest handshake. We will forever remember him for the light that he was to so many and the fingerprint he left on his community and in so many lives.

Juan was preceded in death by his parents Isidoro Ortega and Ascencion Ortega Almaguer. And his brothers Jose Ortega and Humberto Ortega.

He is survived by his wife Maria Ortega. Their daughters Blanca Raya and her husband Jose Luis Raya, Cecilia Beltran, and Diana Mancillas. His five grandchildren, Mia, Diego and Nadia Beltran, and Mateo and Nicolas Mancillas. He is also survived by his brothers Jose Luis Ortega, Jesus Ortega, Rosalinda Saucedo, and Blanca Gonzalez, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Ortega family cordially invites family and friends to his Celebration of Life mass, at St. Juan Diego Catholic Church on Tuesday February 13, 2024 at 11:00 am, with a memorial fellowship immediately following in the church reception hall.