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Alexander Ortiz Obituary
Alexander Ortiz was the security guard with the grin, usually there at the entrance to Blue Cross and Blue Shield on the 28th floor of the north tower. His dedication would become known best after Sept. 11.
Mr. Ortiz worked for Grubb & Ellis Inc., a property management company, and was assigned for seven years to the insurance carrier's offices. He died after assisting several people out of the north tower, and returning to direct traffic in the building's lobby. "He loved his job, because he loved helping people," said Lourdes Dominguez, Mr. Ortiz's former wife and mother of his 5- year-old son, Alexander Jr.
Mr. Ortiz, who lived in Ridgewood, Queens, was adjusting to life as a bachelor. "Dating wasn't easy for him," said Moises Lorenzi, a friend and weight-lifting buddy. "He had such a big heart, he would let himself get hurt."
Ms. Dominguez said Alex and his son were together on alternate weekends, which started with breakfast at a Chinese restaurant in Ridgewood and often included outings to a park or museum. "Those of us who saw them together will always remember the radiant smiles," Ms. Dominquez said.
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Migdalia Velez
September 12, 2021
Remembering and honoring you on this 20th year. You are so missed and loved. R.I.P. eternally. Amen!
Jimmy siroki
September 6, 2021
ALEX was a great person a great human being that loved life ! I remember having Alex over watching ppv boxing on Seneca watching our hero Felix Trinidad but Alex you are the real hero ! You will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!
Johnny Alexader Ortiz
October 26, 2020
I never met Alexander! We Alexanders must have that heart too help others in common. Sure he has a crown of Glory in heaven.
Migdalia Velez
September 11, 2016
Remembering you with much love. May perpetual light always shine upon you eternally, R.I.P.Amen!
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Salvatore Friscia III
August 30, 2016
In Memory with
Honor & Respect.
Migdalia Velez
September 11, 2015
Alex I honor and remember you on this 14th year. You are missed and loved. I will always remember you with much love. Your family is always in my prayers. May perpetual light always shine upon you eternally. R.I.P. Amen!
Migdalia Velez
September 14, 2014
On this 13th year I honor and remember you. I think of you often and remember how my father told me that he saw you and you decided to stay behind and help others out. You are truly a hero and an angel in the kingdom of God. You are never forgotten. R.I.P. Amen!
Migdalia Velez
September 11, 2013
Alex I remember your smile and laughter. You are truly missed especially by my brother. We will never forget you and pray for your family. R.I.P. May perpetual light always shine upon you! Amen!!!!!!
Lisa
October 8, 2011
10 years and you are still remembered. May God's peace surround your friends ad family always!
Migdalia Velez
September 11, 2011
To my friend Alex in heaven. I pray for you and your family every day. It has been 10 years and you are missed. What a blessing it was to know you. Your smile shall live in my heart always. Rest in peace. Amen!
david gershaw
May 2, 2011
Alex, God has blessed us with justice. Your spirit somehow helped those navy seals in the darkness hit their target and escape just as you had helped many others escape. Many of us wonder and have guilt about not being sure if we would have been as helpful if placed in that same situation as you. You did what came natural to you and it was heroic. After a decade, people's memory of you still shines bright.
Carlos Ortiz
September 10, 2009
I miss you so much Alex and I am so proud of you and also honor to be your first cousin and an Ortiz! I will never stop thinking about you my hero.
Rosa Martin
June 21, 2009
I still miss you, my hear aches for you, I wish I could change the time and that you were still here with us...your family!
I love you my sweet boy.
Titi, Rosa
Hildy Toohey
September 11, 2008
I cannot believe 7 years have gone by. I'll never forget how we talked about our sons and the chance meeting at the Discovery Zone. I miss your smiling face. May God bless your soul my friend and hero.
Jennifer S
September 11, 2008
I will always remember Alex every Sept. 11th. My husband, an Empire employee, remembers Alex helping him and others get out of the WTC. Alex is a hero and many survived the attacks because of him. God Bless you Alex, you are in our hearts and prayers.
P Tabbernor
January 23, 2007
In memory....
Kristine
November 22, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
D. Westbrook
September 8, 2006
There aren't a lot of people left in this world who have the heart and spirit that Alex did. I didn't know him, but reading his tribute touched my heart and I just wanted to express my sympathies to his son and family. One day God will take away the pain and sorrow we carry from losing those we love.(Rev 21:3,4)
George Falero Sr
July 15, 2004
You are gone Alex, but you are not forgotten. Still in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in eternal peace.
Kathy Gilday Ortiz
March 8, 2004
You will always be remembered in my heart and prayers. Love you forever and may god be with you and your family.
Your Aunt
Kathy Gilday Ortiz
Edda Valero
September 11, 2002
Alex was the best person I ever meet. He always made me laugh with his jokes when he passed by my desk. He was a very sweet person. Now he is one of God's Angel and I want to tell him that I miss him and well see each other again when I become one of God's Angel.
Miss Ya
Love Ya
Beatrice Martin
August 29, 2002
I have so many times read and re- read the writing of so many in memory of my dear Alex. I have tried many times to respond to all the wonderful things that have been said since that tragic day. I have never been able to put the words down, maybe because the wound was too fresh. Alex was born into our large family as my cousin but through God's way we were raised as brother and sister. I will never forget all those crazy games we played as children often do, and all the wonderful words of encouragement he always seemed to have when I was going through some rough time in my life. Alex was a very loving and generous person always giving words of a positive nature during times of sorrow. There is no way to put into words the LOVE I have and will always have for my big brother. Alex gave his life to save others and for that he will be a hero to many. For me Alex has and will forever be my hero. I would like to be able to say things have gotten easier with time but the wound stays fresh with every day that has passed. I go through my daily routine and feel the emptiness in my heart, and longing to hear that cheerful voice. I know one day we will be together again and for know I can only say Thank You for the time I got to spend with my big brother and I LOVE YOU ALEX!!!
I would also like to Thank everyone who wrote a tribute to Alex. May God Bless all of you.
Jose Ruiz
August 26, 2002
I was privilaged to work with Alex at Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield. He was rarely without a smile at work. Alex stood side by side with police and fireman that day guiding thousands to their safty. That's a testiment of the kind of man he was. Alex will be missed by all who were associated with him.
Angie Campbell
May 8, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the family and friends that you left behind on 9/11/01. May you rest in peace forever more.
Joseph Martire
April 1, 2002
Alex, thank you for directing me out of the buliding that day. I'll never foreget that day as long as I live nor will I ever foreget you. You were so calm and confident as it was just another ordinary day. I never forget everyday when we would talk sports and other topics with the guys. Whever I think of a hero, you will always come to my mind. GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!
March 19, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL HERO...ALEXANDER ORTIZ AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS SON ALEXANDER JR. YOUR DAD DIED A HERO....FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN.AMEN
BRYAN HERNANDEZ
March 16, 2002
ALEX WAS MORE THAN JUST FAMILY HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND A GREAT COUSIN TO HAVE WHO WOULD LITE UP THE WHOLE DAY WITH ONE SMILE THE WAY WE WOULD JOKE AROUND AND TALK WITH ME ABOUT HOW CRAZY MY FATHER WE WOULD LAUGH FOR HOURS THE WAY HE WOULD BE THERE FOR YOU WITH OUT THINKING TWICE... I MISS YOU ALOT BUT YOUR IN A BETTER PLACE NOW MAKING SURE WE ARE ALL STILL SMILING I WILL NEVER FOR GET YOU GOD BLESS YOU
Elizabeth Ortiz
March 13, 2002
You were a great boyfriend, lover and companion. Our time together was brief but I will always cherish the momories we had together. You will always be in my heart and mind.
Brenda Ortiz
March 11, 2002
Heaven must have needed angels and sent for Alex. I know that he is watching over all of us who love and miss him so much. Though I would have given my right arm to see him again, I know he is in a better place. He deserves it.
We who knew him were very fortunate.
We miss you Alex.
Good bye my sweet friend.
GOD bless and keep you.
Hector Almodovar
March 7, 2002
A day did not go buy that I saw Alex somewhere in the building. Always smiling and happy go lucky. I was priviliged to have been his friend.
Ismael Vazquez
January 14, 2002
I remember meeting Alex for the first time at a Christmas party, organized by Empire employees, approximately three years ago. My wife, Lillian, an employee of Empire, introduced me to him. I remember him as a very friendly and courteous person. Normally, after work, Lillian and I would sit down and discuss our daily interactions with co-workers at work. When Alex's name came up, it was always in a positive light.
Alex, I just want to thank you for being nice to my wife. Individuals like you are sorely needed in a tough and hustling town like New York City. I will remember your memory by being nice to co-workers and fellow New Yorkers. I will also reinforce these qualities to my three young boys as they grow up.
Thank God that individuals such as you crossed our daily paths. You taught me that being nice to others is as important to all of us as anything in this material world.
Teresa Jahn
December 17, 2001
We thank Alexander for all the help his gave to others. Thank you for sharing his picture with the world. He has a tremendous smile. With a smile like that and all he did for others we know he must have had a very warm and caring heart. His picture with his huge smile made me smile so his life is still touching other people in a positive way. May his warmth, life, and love be carried on through his children. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Alexander. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
rose colon
November 12, 2001
Alex for everytime you came by the desk said hello and offered to get me tea. you are and always will be a sweetheart. There was never a time when I didnt see you without a smile and I'm thankful for that because that is how I will remember you. god bless u..
Rose visitors desk
Peter Guilmette
November 8, 2001
I never saw Alex without his smile! It was infectious. If I arrived on the 28th floor in a less than happy mood, his greeting and smile changed my outlook for the better. He's smiling at us all right now!
Thanks, Alex!
PG 11/8/01
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