JOSE L. ORTIZ, 81

Jose L. Ortiz was called home to Heaven by our Lord Jesus Christ on November 24, 2018 after a valiant battle with illness throughout this past year. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. Jose was born in Camuy, Puerto Rico, on November 8, 1937 but lived most of his adult life in Perth Amboy, NJ where he married his beloved wife on June 25, 1966 and raised his family. He retired to Lakeland, Florida in 2004 and remained there until his passing. Jose was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He worked tirelessly throughout his life as a truck driver and owner of various businesses and properties in order to provide a good life for the family he loved so dearly. Jose is survived by his wife of 53 years, Olga M. Ortiz; children, Joseph (Joselito) Ortiz, William (Billy) Ortiz and his wife Kelly; Olga M. Medina (Olgita) and her husband Nelson; grandchildren, Joey, Jenny, Angelique, Roman, Rubin, Rhys, Willie, Ashton, and Bella; and siblings, Gloria Centeno, Esteban Ortiz and Candido Cruz. Visitation will be Friday, November 30, 2018 from 5-8 p.m. at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes at Serenity Gardens, 3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland, Fl. 33810. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Anthony's Church, 820 Marcum Road, Lakeland, Fl. 33809