Elpidio Fernandez Ortiz

Elpidio Fernandez Ortiz, a longtime resident of Watsonville, died on June 16, surrounded by his family. He was 78.

Mr. Fernandez Ortiz was born on April 11, 1943, to parents Socorro Fernandez and Soledad Ortiz, and raised in Gomez Farias, Michoacán, Mexico.

He married the love of his life, Alicia Rocha Magaña, in their hometown and remained married for 49 years until his death. They had five daughters: Elvia, Yolanda, Rosa, Angelica and Maria. They immigrated to Watsonville, where he spent the last decades of his life surrounded by family.

Mr. Fernandez Ortiz was a responsible, hardworking and respectful father and husband whose only priority in life was the wellbeing of his family. He enjoyed spending his free time with his family telling stories of his ancestors and watching movies of his youth. He will be remembered and deeply missed by his wife, children and 11 grandchildren, as well as all his close friends.

A viewing and rosary will be held at Mehl's Colonial Chapel on June 29 from 4-9pm with the rosary starting at 7pm. The funeral mass will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on June 30 at 10am.