Joe L. Ortega, age 90, passed away on Thursday, August 18th, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born in San Antonio, on December 15th, 1931, to his parents Lucas and Maria Ortega. He graduated from San Antonio Vocational and Technical High-School, (aka Fox Tech), where he completed an apprenticeship in his chosen trade of sheet metal repair. He would go on to work at Kelly Air Force Base for over 30 years. He received accolades for his numerous improvements submitted for the bomber planes he repaired.

Joe was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and a great great-great Grandfather. In his later years he honed his skills across multiple pursuits,
including amateur songwriter, comedian, historian, dictionary fanatic, short stint as a tik-tok star, daily jumble aficionado, sequence grand master,
professional gift giver, (he never missed one), Northside Italian ("Joeseppe" Cantonelli), & cat whisperer.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Lucas and Maria Ortega; his beloved spouse Maria R. Ortega; son Joe L. Ortega Jr.; daughter Virginia Gamez and sister Narcissa Gomez. Joe leaves behind his loving daughter Mary Helen Cisneros; son Benito R. Garza (Yolanda); daughters Dolores O. Tenney (Jerry), Alice O. Villarreal (Adam), Jo Ann Ortega (Marcel Sanchez); and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great-grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, August 28, 2022 from 3:30pm until 8:00pm with a prayer service at 6:00pm. Family and friends will meet at San Fernando Cemetery II, 746 Castroville Rd. 78237 on Monday, August 29, 2022 for a graveside service at 10:30am.