Nanuet, New York
The Fish Didn't Flee
When David Ortiz was not working overtime on weekends at his job as a locksmith at the World Trade Center, sometimes he would take his 14-year-old son, Richard, fishing in upstate New York.
His catches or lack thereof were legendary at the third-floor Port Authority shop at 4 World Trade Center. "What was it, boy, that he used to catch?" said David Achee, a friend and colleague, struggling to remember the type of fish. "Oh, teeny-tiny striped bass. And he would catch just one. He had expensive fishing rods. I told him in my country that we use a cork, a can and some rope and catch more fish." Mr. Achee is a native of Trinidad.
Mr. Ortiz, 37, was easygoing, and took the teasing in stride. He worked hard and knew the ins and outs of the trade center like the back of his hand, Mr. Achee said. He used his overtime earnings to pay for renovations on his new house in Rockland County, N.Y., where he lived with Richard, his wife, Lillian, and daughter, Crystal, 6.
"The reason he is missing is because he was trying to help people," Mr. Achee said. "We didn't know it was an attack. I went to give back-up batteries to the other workers on the West Side Highway, and he stayed back to prevent people from going into 4 World Trade Center."
I miss you little brother, I will always love you give mami and the family kisses from , give Amanda a hug from me tell her I love her
Maria Lopez
September 12, 2023 | Conway, SC | Sister
David you are remembered and your life celebrated. May your family be richly blessed with peace and comfort
September 11, 2023 | FL
Sending our sincere sympathy to your family. With each new day may God continue to give you the help needed to cope with such a sad loss. David will always be remembered.
The Lucas Family
October 30, 2018
I celebrate my oldest son's birthday and always we praise u for your brave ❤ u will always b remember love u always you r still my big brother .
Maribel SEDA
September 19, 2018 | Bronx, NY
Hey, David, This is your Fellow Locksmith (Willie) better known as Wilson Feliciano...we were in the 7th Grade together...(I.S. 174). I don't recall but we might have been in the 8th grade together also.....I remember when we used to walk home together cause I was bullied a lot....I never got to give you an Adult THANKS.......We met up again when you used to work the locksmith next to the movie theater in the village.....We bugged out 'cause we both became Locksmith....I work for BMCC college...
Wilson Feliciano
September 11, 2018 | Bronx, NY
David .. Thank you. For only thinking of others. It has now been 15 years and you will alway be remembered. To your family members and friends, share your experiences with David, for he will always be with you. ... particularly on your fishing trips ! ... With much regards.
Tom
September 11, 2016 | San Jose, CA
In Memory with
Honor & Respect.
Salvatore Friscia III
August 30, 2016 | Staten Island, NY
Thinking of you every anniversary of that dreadful day. Rest in peace.
Yolanda Padilla
September 10, 2015 | Bronx, NY
Missing you like crazy Please give Mami and the other kisses and tons of hugs for me .love you Until we meet again.Your Sister
Maria Lopez
September 17, 2014 | Pittston, PA