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BORN
1936
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
John Ortell Obituary
Age 78 of Horseheads, NY. He was born May 1, 1936 in Elmira, son of the late John and Anna (Stempin) Ortell and passed away Sunday, March 1, 2015 at home after a courageous battle with ALS, with his family by his side. He left us to be with our Risen Lord in heaven. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his sister Cecilia Nimec. He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 51 years, Rose Anna (Rockwell); son John Paul Ortell of Asheville, NC; daughter Andrea (Allen) DeLosa of Gillett, PA; adoring grandchildren Madeline, Allen, Jr. and Johnny DeLosa; brother Francis (Rose) Ortell of Elmira; mother-in-law Hilda Rockwell of Horseheads along with nieces and nephews. He was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Parish; attended St. Cecilia's Elementary School and EFA. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in Germany and was later recalled to Ft. Bragg, NC. He was employed with Hardinge Bros. for 23 years and the Horseheads School District for 15 years. His life revolved around his faith and family. John enjoyed woodworking, gardening, birds and flowers, antiquing and spending time with his grandchildren who will fondly remember him as their loving "Papa". John was a kind and loving man who always had a beautiful smile and a generous spirit of giving. During his illness, he was courageous and a true witness of his deep faith. The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Mitchell and his staff, the Bath VA and Paralyzed Veterans, and caregivers Allison, Danielle, Megan, Michael, Sandy and Vanessa; dear supporting and forever friends Steve, Carolyn, Maureen and many others who were kind and caring to John. He truly appreciated their help. Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira on Wednesday, March 4th from 4 to 7 pm. Prayers will be offered there on Thursday, March 5th at 9:30 am, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in Ss. Peter & Paul Church. Rev. Richard Farrell, Celebrant. Committal prayers and interment will follow in St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. To honor his memory, enjoy the little things in life, as he did, and hold your family in love. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may remember John through donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950 or the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 344 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13202.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Ortell
October 15, 2015
I was just going thru my records of guys I new at Ft.Bragg. I was a friend of John and just decided how was doing father all these years. I looked him up and saw the notice of his death.he was a good man, and I am proud to have served with him
Richard Ohl, Blairshtown,n.j.
Laurie (DeHaas) Allen
May 18, 2015
Dear John Paul,
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your and your family.
Joe, Mary & Joey Murphy
March 6, 2015
Dear RoseAnna & Family, Johnny was a very special man. Always caring & praying for others. We want you to know he was in our prayers. We are sorry we could not be there with you but you are in our thoughts & prayers. Love, Joe, Mary & Joey Murphy
March 4, 2015
Our thought and prayers are with you and your family. John and you have been great neighbors for my parents Clarence and Gertrude Peck. Our deepest sympathy, Mike and Jeanine Peck.
Madeline DeLosa
March 4, 2015
He was such an inspiration and a role model to me. It will be tough to let him go, but he shall be remembered by our memories and time spent together. I love and miss you very much.❤
John DeLosa
March 4, 2015
I loved my papa very much I will never forget the times we had they are special to me.
Patricia (Patti) Van Gorden
March 4, 2015
To John's Family. John will be greatly missed. It is nice to know he is in Heaven waiting for us. God Bless.
Denise DeLosa
March 4, 2015
Heaven has gained another beautiful soul, a kind man, always smiling. I can not imagine what he has endured through his illness, but he can now be at peace and I pray RoseAnna, Andrea, John Paul, Allen, Madeline, Lil Allen,Johnny and everyone else Johns life touched all find comfort in his peace. Love to you all.
Allen DeLosa Jr.
March 4, 2015
I will always cherish the good times we had together.You will always be in our hearts.
March 4, 2015
Andrea and Family-So very sorry for your loss. Our Dadddy's will always hold a special place in our hearts. LeVon & Jim Ketter
Dan Crandall
March 4, 2015
Mr. Ortell was often the first person that I ran into when I arrived at Horseheads High School in the morning. He always had a smile and a kind word. I am sorry to learn of his passing and your loss.
Stephanie Slechta-Romeo
March 3, 2015
Mrs Ortell, Andrea and John Paul, I have fond memories of Mr Ortell as being the sweetest man, an awesome neighbor and a great role model. Mr Ortell always had a smile on his face and I will always remember him that way. I hope you will all find peace.
Pamela Cavaluzzi
March 3, 2015
Andrea, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your dad was a wonderful man. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Much love,
Pam Cavaluzzi
allen delosa
March 3, 2015
i shall never forget asking his blessing for his daughters hand in marriage, and the way he adored my three wonderful kids, he will be missed!
Allison Ortell
March 3, 2015
I will always remember coming in to Christmas Mass and seeing Uncle Johnny's smiling face and his red jacket. He will be deeply missed. All my sympathy to his family and grandchildren.
Joanne/Vaughn Ames
March 3, 2015
We are very sorry about our loss . Our prayers will be with your family during this difficult time.
March 3, 2015
shall never forget asking for his daughters
hand in marriage and his response, he will be missed by his grandbabies for sure!
Elaine Allison
March 3, 2015
Roseanna I was so sorry to hear about Johnny's passing. I am in Texas until after Easter or I would have attended Johnny's funeral mass. You and your family are in my prayers.
Elaine Allison
D L
March 3, 2015
Thoughts and prayers...
Michelle Alexander
March 3, 2015
Johnny was never without a smile or kind word. He was a true gentleman. Our hearts are heavy for your loss.
Bob Fort
March 3, 2015
I knew John when he worked at Horseheads High School. We had many conversations and I enjoyed his company. He was a good friend. My sympathy to his family.
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