Adalberto Ortega

1937 - 2025

Adalberto Ortega

April 23, 1937 - October 25, 2025

Elk Grove, California - Adalberto Ortega, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on October 25, 2025. Born on April 23, 1937, to Joaquin and Aurora Ortega, in Puebla, Mexico, Adalberto's story was one of courage, laughter, humility and deep devotion to family.

As a little boy, he, his parents and three siblings (Joaquin Jr., Ricardo and Rayo) moved to Mexico City, where he resided until his life changing move to Sacramento at the age of 24. He traded the familiar cityscape sights of home for tall oak trees in pursuit of his dreams. That leap of faith became the foundation for a life full of purpose, love and community. In 1962 he met the love of his life, Rosa Elena Ortega and they married on July 24, 1965. Together they shared 60 joyous years of marriage.

He was also a proud alumni of Sacramento State University, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering. That degree would later lead to great achievements, including managing teams at SMUD for 30 years. Adalberto also loved giving back, serving in various capacities for his local Kiwanis chapter for many years and building countless friendships along the way. Another favorite past time? Golf - not just the game, but the camaraderie, the laughter and the moments spent outdoors under the California sun. If he wasn't golfing then you'd find him watching anything sports related.

Adalberto was the life of every gathering - the one cracking jokes, turning up the music, and making sure no one was without a smile (or a full glass). He had a gift for making everyone feel special, especially on their birthday, when he celebrated others as if it were his own day.

More than anything, Adalberto was a family man through and through. His greatest pride was the family he built and the love he poured into every generation that followed. In addition to his wife, Rosa, he is survived by his daughter, Monica and son, David (Ana), grandchildren, Nicole (Juan), Andrea, Amanda and Alberto, and sister-in-law, Dolores Godina and her husband Gabriel.

His warmth, humor and generosity will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His legacy lives on in the stories we tell, the laughter he inspired and the love he left behind.

A celebration of Adalberto's beautiful life will be held over two days. Join us on November 17, 2025 at St. Mary Chapel as we recite the rosary from 5:30-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on November 18, 2025 with a mass at Good Shepard parish in Elk Grove at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Kiwanis Family House in his name. The family invites friends and loved ones to a reception in his honor after the burial, to share a favorite memory, and toast to a man who made every day feel like a celebration.