Jesse Santana Ortiz 1933 - 2019
Jesse Santana Ortiz, Professor Emeritus of Public Health at the University of Massachusetts (UMass), died peacefully of natural causes on December 31, 2019 at the age of 86 in Washington, DC. Jesse is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judith Anne (Miller); his children, David Santana (Nicole Johnston) and Anna Maria (Timothy Allison); and his grandchildren, Carlos, Carmen, Athena, and Diana. A funeral mass will be held on January 18, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, 3810 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to the William A. Darity Sr. Graduate Endowment Fund at the UMass-School of Public Health and Health Sciences. https://minutefund.umass.edu/PHHS

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Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 7, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for JESSE ORTIZ

10 Entries

Jamileh Jemison

January 20, 2020

Jesse was such a light! As a shy child his warmth and inclusiveness always made me feel comfortable. I will always be grateful for the way your family embraced us and Jesse's genuine joy in others remains a delightful a hallmark of our long friendship.

January 16, 2020

Jesse was a loving and kind professor and friend. May he rest in eternal,peace.

Harris and Patricia (Moore) Pastides

Sal and Joan

January 14, 2020

Dear Judy, David and Anna:

Last night (January 13) Joan and I leaned of Jesse's passing and we are both saddened by the news. As you well know Jesse and I worked together in the Environmental Health Sciences Department at the University of Massachusetts for more than 30 years.

I remember the day Jesse walked into the Department office in August 1972 wearing Bermuda shorts and introduced himself to the folks that were getting ready for the coming fall semester. We joked about who had the boniest legs: it was a tie!!!

Jesse was a quintessential gentleman and beloved by the students in Department and School. He never lost his sense of humor, and served as an excellent role model for the young pups that were following in his footsteps both in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences and at the Newman Center where he was revered by the clergy and parishioners.

I will always remember his famous quote I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.

God Bless all of you and the entire Ortiz family during these difficult times.

Jesse's passing is a loss that we will all feel for ever, and I believe that he will always be smiling down on us from heaven. I have asked my nephew (Thomas Massaro, SJ, from Father Joe Quigley's Alma Mater) to say a special mass for Jesse.

Affectionately and Sadly:

Sal DiNardi and Joan Culley
Columbia, SC

Nancy & Brian Clifford

January 11, 2020

We are so sorry to hear of Jesse's passing. We remember him from our younger years in the late 70s at UMASS, seeing his ever smiling face at Newman or bumping into him at the supermarket. Enjoyed every one of our conversations my friend. You will be missed. Judy, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Barbara Partee

January 10, 2020

My deep condolences to the family. I have many good memories of Jesse - it was always a pleasure to work with him on a committee or to encounter him in any context around the university or around town. A wonderful person who accomplished much and gave so much of himself.

Leah Gregg

January 10, 2020

So sorry to hear about Jesse's passing. I have many fond memories of him from Columbia Drive. May he rest in peace and rise in glory!

george CERNADA

January 9, 2020

We are sorry to hear about Jesse. He was a great asset to UMass and strong activist for social justice. We have many fond memories of him both in and out of the School of Public Health. Our condolences to Judy and the family.
George and ChingChing Cernada

Charlena Seymour

January 8, 2020

Very sad to hear the news about Jesse. He was an excellent dedicated faculty member, loyal and true to the campus, and a fierce fighter for social justice. We loved working with him. Charlena and Harry Seymour

Paula Stamps

January 8, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jesse. I have many fond memories of our time together at UMass. My best wishes to all of Jesse's family at this sad time.

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