Daniel Jose "Danny" Ortiz

Daniel "Danny" Jose Ortiz, beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025 at the age of 75 with his sister Terry by his side. Danny is now reunited with his parents Dan and Lela, and brother, Albert finding eternal peace by his side in heaven.

Born on April 24, 1950, in La Jara, Colorado to Daniel and Lela Ortiz. He is survived by his sister Terry (Sammy); brothers, Andrew and Charlie; daughter Veronica, granddaughters Carissa (William) and Megan; great-grandchildren Dominic and Mila Rose.

Danny grew up and lived in La Jara, Colorado until the age of seven. In 1957 his parents relocated their family and settled in Hood, California. Danny went to Bates Joint Union Elementary School and Delta High School. Danny's sixth grade teacher Mr. Kuykendall commented on his report card "Should spend more time on class work – less fooling around". This summarizes Danny's personality.

In 1968 Danny was co-chair (with Martha Mondragon) of the inaugurated Courtland-Hood Neighborhood Council under the Sacramento Area Economic Opportunity Project.

In 1969 Danny joined the United States Army at the age of nineteen and served for three years. Danny was a power plant operator and served some of his military time in Korea. Danny received the following medals while serving in the Army:

National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Good Conduct Medal
Sharpshooter Badge w/Rifle Bar

In 1972 Danny married Pearl, adopted her daughter Veronica and loved being a husband and father. He doted over his granddaughters, Carissa and Megan. He made sure to bring them to all of the Ortiz family functions. Danny and Pearl later separated, but still had so much love for their daughter and granddaughters.

Danny worked many years as a meter reader and later retired from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).

Danny will be remembered for his black hair always in place, great facial skin that he attributed to using Noxema daily, dark sunglasses, and wearing his favorite cologne, Obsession by Calvin Klein. He loved to exaggerate the truth so you could never take him seriously.

In the last few years Danny experienced many health issues that slowed him down from doing many things he loved. Danny had the biggest heart which at times got him into predicaments which eventually he figured out.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Ashford Care Home who provided Danny with loving care the last few months of his life.

A Celebration of Life Memorial and Committal at St. Mary's Cemetery will be scheduled at a later date. Once the date and times for his services has been identified, the Obituary on St. Mary's web-site will be updated with the specific information.

Please take time to share fond memories and expressions of sympathy with Danny's family.