Lorenzo H. Ortiz passed away peacefully on November 15, 2021 at the age of 97. Don Lorenzo, as he was known by many, was born on August 10, 1924 in Nueva Rosita, Coahuila, Mexico. In his early years, he traveled many times to the United States for work, including one stint playing minor league baseball. Lorenzo moved permanently to the United States in 1957, met his wife Hortencia Portillo at a dinner dance in 1959, and married on November 28, 1959.
During his youth in Mexico, Lorenzo learned the bakery trade and in 1966 established Panaderia San Fernando on Maclay Street. He and his wife ran this bakery until 1992. Although under separate management, he remained the owner of his beloved bakery until the time of his death.
Lorenzo was predeceased by his wife Hortencia, who died on June 7, 2005. He is survived by his three daughters and their families: Patricia and Pedro Bonilla and their children Daniel, Peter, and David; Martha Ortiz and Dr. Robert Diamond and their children Ruth and Ethan; and Laura and Andres Hidalgo and their children Melissa and Andrea. Tio Lorenzo was also loved by many nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass was held for immediate family on December 9, 2021. At his burial, our dad was remembered most by how much he loved his family, by his incredible work ethic, and by the example he set for his children and grandchildren to always live the educated life. We love you dad and we will miss you.
