Guelsy Ortiz

Guelsy "Jesse" Ortiz
November 15, 1985 – April 4, 2025
Guelsy Ortiz, affectionately known as Jesse, passed away on April 4, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida. Born on November 15, 1985, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jesse lived his life with fearless energy, deep devotion to his family, and a heart full of love.
Jesse was a proud and dedicated father to his three children-Josiah, Jeremiah, and Genesis-who were the center of his world. He prioritized their happiness and well-being above all else, and everything he did was with them in mind.
He was baptized in his early 20s and carried his faith with him throughout his life, always seeking the Lord and striving to be a man of integrity and love.
He is survived by his loving mother, Carmen Martinez; his siblings-twins Miguel and Manuel Ortiz, Mili Ortiz, Jehzel Ortiz, Zellimar Ortiz, and Josue Ortiz-and a wide circle of family and friends who were touched by his vibrant spirit and unwavering loyalty.
A true self-made man, Jesse began his career as a cleaner and general laborer and worked his way up to become a skilled industrial mechanic and welder. He faced every challenge head-on, fueled by his determination to build a better life for his children. Though he didn't finish high school, his accomplishments were a testament to his resilience, ambition, and belief that nothing was impossible.
Jesse was known for his boundless positivity, infectious laugh, and big personality. He had a gift for making others feel seen and loved. He would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. Loyal to a fault, funny, and endlessly confident, Jesse lit up every room and was always the life of the party. He loved hard, laughed loud, and lived life to the fullest-never letting anything bring him down.
Some of Jesse's greatest moments were spent with his children, whether riding bikes, cracking jokes, going horseback riding, or sharing adventures. One family story tells of a walk by the lake when the family dog slipped between large boulders-not once, not twice, but three times. Jesse saved the pup each time, and on the third rescue attempt, both he and the dog ended up stuck between the rocks, laughing through the chaos. It was then that Josiah, always brave and quick to help, came to the rescue-saving both his dad and the dog, a moment that perfectly captured the bond they shared and Jesse's spirit living on in his son.
In another unforgettable moment, while teaching Jeremiah to drive, they nearly crashed-something they'd later laugh about together.
Jesse leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, strength, and endless generosity. His spirit lives on in the hearts of everyone who knew him-especially his children, who carry his light forward, most notably Josiah, who shares his father's fearless confidence and zest for life.
He will be remembered as a kind, humble, hardworking, and joyfully goofy soul who never stopped giving, never stopped loving, and never stopped living fully.
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Click here to view a webcast of the service on 4/15/2025 at 10:55 AM, Eastern Standard Time.

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