Robert V. Ortiz, Jr.

Robert V. Ortiz, Jr. 72, of Carlsbad, NM passed away Saturday, February 19, 2022. Robert was born March 29, 1949, in Carlsbad, NM to Robert Sr. and Adelina Ortiz.

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Visitation is scheduled from 5 PM to 7 PM, Friday, February 25, 2022, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral service is scheduled for 3 PM, Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Sunset Church of Christ with Mike Veilleux officiating. Interment will follow at Carlsbad Cemetery in Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Robert grew up in Carlsbad, graduating from Carlsbad High School in 1968. He went on to attend New Mexico Highlands in Las Vegas, NM, graduating with 2 BA’s and 4 Associates. He married Josie Salazar in November 1971 and had their daughter, Angelica, in 1977 before Josie’s sudden passing. He went on to marry Darla Sue Thompson in December 1979. They welcomed 4 children: Orlando, Adriana, Esteban and Veronica.

Robert enjoyed his teaching years at Alta Vista Middle School focusing on special education and coaching. Highlights of his coaching career included wrestling state championships as well as his children’s little leagues through junior high sports activities. You could find Robert fishing Lower Tansill or any other stocked body of water. Nothing could compare to his annual summer fishing at Big Meadow, Colorado while camping with his family. Robert was an avid lover of classic hot rods, music, and, above all, his family. Although his passion was coaching, he dedicated his time to supporting and cheering his children in various hobbies. The greatest gift his family gave him was the title of Apa/Papa, often quoting, “My grandkids are the light of my eye.” No matter life’s trials, his faith never wavered, which was evident in his favorite statement, “Always give to it God”. He was converted to the Church of Christ by his wife Darla and served as a deacon for 17 years. Above all, he instilled the love of Christ in his children. The quote of “a Jack of all trades but a master of none” does not fit this man as he was a master of many. He was a poet with words, a master chef, an intricate artist, had an angelic voice, and his search of knowledge was insatiable. One of his lasting attributes was that he never met a stranger. For those that knew him, he is on the bench in Heaven coaching Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris with his fishing pole in the Bronco ready to hit the lake after the game. Go play that sax Dad.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Robert D. Ortiz, Sr.; grandson, Valentino Ortiz; and first wife, Josie Salazar Ortiz.

Robert is survived by his wife, Darla Ortiz of Carlsbad, NM; five children: Angelica Bridges and husband, Jeremy of Nashville, TN; Orlando Ortiz and wife, Melody of Carlsbad, NM; Adriana Ortiz of Nashville, TN; Esteban Ortiz and wife, Deanna of Carlsbad, NM; and Veronica McIlwee and husband, Jonathan of Carlsbad, NM; nine grandchildren: Josie Bridges, Benjamin Bridges, Naomi Bridges, Camilla Ortiz, Ayala Ortiz, Aiden Ortiz, Alexander Munoz-Ortiz, Aspen McIlwee, Silas McIlwee, and Charlotte McIlwee; mother, Adelina Ortiz of Carlsbad, NM; six siblings: Richard Ortiz and wife, Ofelia of Carlsbad, NM; John Ortiz and wife, Alice of Carlsbad, NM; Esmael Ortiz and wife, Kim of Las Cruces, NM; Alex Ortiz of Carlsbad, NM;  Mark Ortiz of Las Cruces, NM; and Mary Ortiz of Carlsbad, NM; and a plethora of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com