Joseph Ortega
CALCUTTA — Joseph Orlando “Joe” Ortega, 74, of Calcutta passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2017 as the result of an ischemic stroke.
He was born in Mora, New Mexico in 1943 in an adobe house that still stands. Joe remembers with fondness the Catholic church in the middle of the adobe community, and the Catholic school where he attended his first years of schooling. Life was a little rough on Joe, and he got no more formal education than the 6th grade.
In his adult life, he was able to overcome nearly insurmountable odds and lead a life that was helpful to many other recovering persons both within and outside of the AA community. At his death he had 30 years of sobriety. A kinder and gentler man would be difficult to find.
Joe was a wood artist and an avid reader of metaphysical philosophy. His dremeled woodwork on cabinets, tables, chairs, and other furniture will be remembered by many in the East Liverpool area. He worked and sold some of his beautiful wood work out of Manitou Studios in East Liverpool when he first came to town approximately 8 years ago. A plaque done by Joe memorializing Joan Witt can be seen in the downstairs lobby of E. Liverpool Hospital next to the elevators.
He loved Ohio in the spring, he loved Ohio in the summer, he loved Ohio in the fall, and he loved Florida in the wintertime.
Surviving Joe is his life partner of 35 years, Barbara Ortega, and his beloved cairn terriers, ‘Mr. & Mrs. Kanooch’.
As was Joe’s wishes no visitation or services have been planned.
The Calcutta Chapel of the Martin MacLean Altmeyer Funeral Homes has been entrusted with arrangements.
Family and friends may view this obituary and leave online condolences at www.martinmacleanaltmeyer.com or by visiting the funeral home’s Facebook page.
9/26/17