Richard John Ortz Jr.

Richard John Ortz, Jr., 80, of Sewell, New Jersey, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, August 11, 2025.

Legacy

Born on July 10, 1945, he is predeceased by his mother Anna Lynch DiEnno, father, Richard John Ortz Sr., sister/aunt Mickey (Jim) Kilrain , sister Debbie (Gus)Gredzinski. He is survived by his wife Peggy, his daughter Lisa Ortz-Healy , granddaughters Meghan (Sean) Smith, Michaela Healy and Cameron Healy (Nick) great grandchildren , Owen , Olivia and Emma along with his younger sister Judy DiEnno (Mike).

Duke as everyone knew him by, was born and raised in the Grays Ferry section of Philadelphia and attended Saint Gabriel's Catholic school, where he met his then girlfriend and forever wife, Peggy. They became grade school sweethearts involved in church, bingo and school dances. Duke enrolled in trade school to become a floor layer and union Carpenter with local 1823 in Philadelphia. From his trade, Duke had many talents in building, remodeling or fixing pretty much anything. He remodeled many homes, including his daughter's and granddaughter's. Duke was fortunate enough to enjoy time down the shore fishing, and hunting with his buddies in upstate PA. Duke never missed an opportunity to joke or break. "aggets" or to blame Peggy for anything that he touched and ultimately broke just so he could fix it. If anything were to go wrong, it was always "Peggy's fault "with a smirk.

Duke's greatest joys in life was his family and granddaughters including his adopted granddaughters Devan and Syd. He was granted even more happiness when his great grandchildren, Owen, Olivia, and Emma had come to live with him. Duke would wait patiently for a sweet treat like a doughnut or cupcake that they would sneak in. His granddaughter Meghan (deemed the favorite) would also make sure he got anything, he wanted whenever Peggy wasn't around. He also enjoyed his wings and a beer on a Friday night.

Our most cherished memories will always be a family trip to Disney where he was able to go with Peggy, Lisa, his three granddaughters and his great grandchildren to experience the magic through their eyes.

Duke's wishes were to be cremated with a celebration of his life to follow privately. He never gave a "good g*d damn" if it was traditional or not, and there were never any "if, buts or maybe's " on how he was getting to the other side. "That's why they call it fishing." It will be memories and sayings like these that keep his spirit around us forever.

Farewell Tribute

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his memory to any animal shelter of your choice, as his love for animals was profound.

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