Vincent Ortiz

Vincent Ortiz, "VO" Our father, Vincent Ortiz, 77, passed away on March 9, 2010. Vincent was born into a large family on February 23, 1933 to Jose and Severa Ortiz in Austin, Texas. Vincent was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brothers Ambrosio, Aurelio, Uvaldo, and sisters Cresensia and Petra. Vincent is survived by his sons, Robert, Terry, David and Kevin; and his daughter, Carol; his daughter-in-law, Bonnie; and son-in-law, Bill; and the mother of his children, Rachel Davila Polanco; his grandchildren, Robert, Julayne, Victoria, Emily, Cecilia, Adam, and Sarah; his brothers Richard, Lazaro, Jesse, Pete, Tony, and Carmen; and his sisters Alice, Mary Gregg, Mary, and Janie; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends, and his beloved Thelma. Vincent was raised in Austin and attended Austin Area Schools. As a child he worked a variety of jobs from shining shoes to "hawking" newspapers, and helped his mother raise his younger siblings. Vincent was a naturally gifted athlete and excelled in football, baseball, softball, basketball, and diving. He was a founding member of the Pan Am Aces softball team of East Austin and continued playing and coaching competitive fast pitch softball well into his fifties, and touched many in the community throughout his life. He served in the U.S. Army and achieved the rank of staff sergeant. He saw active duty in the Korean War, was wounded in action and awarded the Purple Heart. After his military service, Vincent and Rachel raised their five children to be productive members of society. Vincent had an excellent work ethic, worked a variety of jobs and retired from the Texas Water Commission. Afterward, Vincent lovingly devoted the remainder of his life to family and friends. He passionately lived a long and successful life and he will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. The family would like to thank the many health care professionals who helped our father during his waning years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution be made to The American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice. Visitation is Saturday, March 13th 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 14th 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Mission Funeral Home Serenity Chapel at 6204 S. 1st St. Austin, Texas. The Rosary is Sunday, March 14th at 6:00 p.m. at Serenity Chapel. Burial Mass is at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 15th at San Jose Catholic Church, 2435 Oak Crest Avenue, Austin, Texas with burial to follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 Interstate 35, West Frontage Road, Austin, Texas.