We will certainly treasure all of the great times we enjoyed with John in the few short years that we got to spend with him. Nobody truly appreciated a great baseball game and a super rare steak like J.O. His stories were always entertaining and he could always get a laugh from us with his witty remarks & his sharp delivery. He will be dearly missed. ♡
J & P

Rest In Peace JO! You were a great teammate and friend and you will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to your family.

I just heard the news of the passing of my dear friend John Ortiz. I worked with him at the Suffolk County Legislature until he left. He will always be remembered as my New York Yankee buddy. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of this really great man.

I considered JO my best work friend at BRO, sharing many good times over 30 plus years, especially on the field playing softball. He truly was a special person. All those condolences on Facebook speaks to how popular he was. He touched so many lives. Words cannot describe the loss we all feel, but I must say a smile comes to my face when I think of how blessed I was to have known JO.
RIP my friend.

I consider JO to be my best work friend at BRO, sharing many good times over 30 plus years, especially on the field playing softball. He truly was a special person. All those condolences on Facebook speaks to how popular he was. He touched so many lives. Words cannot describe the loss we all feel, but I must say a smile comes to my face when I think of how blessed I was to have known JO.
RIP my friend.

My sincere condolences to Jenn and the family. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with JO for 30 years in Suffolk County Gov’t. It was my honor to call him a friend. Rest in Peace JO

John, you were a special person and an awesome coach. We all had a great time playing softball with you. I will never forget that slide into home… We all know the truth John, I was SAFE at the plate. I’m going to miss you John, we all are. I’ll see you again one day and we can all get back on the field…the Legislayers forever.
Rest in Peace. Laura

I am beside myself. I just spoke to John for his birthday.
He sounded fine to me. I know he was not well. I was best friends with his cousin Lou, so losing John now brought back a lot of memories of the three of us. We had a lot of great times together including the famous tequila night, where me, Lou and john finished off John’s brother Phillips bottle of Tequila. It became a legendary night that we would always talk about through the years. There are so many other stories I can’t even remember many of them now. Lou and John were like brothers. People would say they even look a lot alike. Both of their passings has left me feeling like I lossed a piece of myself. My childhood and young manhood innocence. As I remembered today on OJs passing it was 30 years ago that we all watched that White Bronco Chase with Simpson on TV at Lou’s house. I think John was there home from College. But it doesn’t matter if he wasn’t because he was always with us even when he wasn’t physically. My condolences go out to his family, his wife, Jen, and his kids and his mom. Jen and John had so many parties at there house in Port Jeff LI that I will always cherish those memories. We were three kids that loved to laugh at life. John especially inspired me with his musical knowledge and change the way I listened to rock and college radio. I will miss him. I hope he and Lou are together again and god willingly I will see my good friends again. They were like two twin brothers to me and I did not have a brother myself. I love you guys! Dave

You will be missed, cousin. So sad that you had to leave this world too soon. May you have a gentle and peaceful rest in the arms of our Lord. Our hearts go out to Jenn, Dominick, Kathryn, Margie, Phil, and Christine. We are praying that God will give you strength and console your hearts. With Love, the Devitts and the Rodnite Family

J.O. was always a good friend to all. He will be sorly missed.

My deep sympathy to John’s family. Wonderful memories of John and family over the past 50 years at the Annual Perez Cousins Picnic held the first Saturday in August. Be comforted knowing that John is now home in the embrace of our Lord and loved ones.

Rest gently I’m sure your Dad & TiTi YeYa were there to welcome you. My heart felt condolences to Margie, Jenn, Phil & Christina may God comfort all of you during this difficult time. I’m just sooo shocked and saddened by this news. The annual cousins picnic will feel his loss this year. Gone too soon too young. John you will be missed cousin❤️

Sending condolences to Jenn and all of John’s family. John helped show me the ropes when I started working at the Suffolk County Legislature’s BRO what seems like a million years ago. He had an easy-going nature and a twinkle in his eye, and in those days, we worked hard, but we had fun, and John was at the center of it. There are a lot of good memories – one time a group of us we went to see him play hockey and we made a bunch of life-size John heads on sticks (office rulers) to cheer him on, which his teammates enjoyed for some time. His excel skills were quite excellent – he taught me a lot of tricks – he called them lazy man shortcuts, but they were smart – and his comprehension of the law enforcement collective bargaining agreements was superior (they are extremely complicated!). I hadn’t talked to John for a very long time, except occasional posts on Facebook, but I have fond memories of him and Jenn. He made a difference in so many lives that he might not even have known. Sending love and hugs.

My deepest sympathies to Jenn and family. I have a lot of fond memories of John. We had great times on and off the ball field. I will miss him.

I only knew JO through Fantasy hockey and baseball. I heard it in his voice when he had to stop fantasy hockey because “nobody cared about hockey in Florida and I’d have no one to talk to”. Jenn, St Peter was waiting for him at the pearly gates but he had to serve a 2 minute roughing penalty before he was let in. John, rest in peace my friend. You were a great guy to talk to amongst many laughs.

For as long as I knew John, he lit up any room he ever walked into (especially with $1 million smile ). Simply put, to know John was to love John. He was larger than life and full of energy. Like many others, I can look back at countless fun times and crazy escapades and simply laugh out loud! But besides the crazy side, Jonn was a great guy with a big heart who always thought of others. It was a privilege to call John my friend for so many decades and I’m sure that there are many many others who feel the same way.
When I think of John, I will always do so with a big smile❤️❤️❤️
RIP my friend!!

Our hearts go out to Marge and the entire Ortiz family. John was too good and too young to have left us so soon.
Our deepest condolences and love to all.

Blessings for your journey John , and strength to those who are grieving the loss of your loving presence.
The world was a better place because of your light and life!

Rest in Peace John. I am proud to call you my cousin. I know that you were welcomed home by a host of familiar angels. I will see you again. My sincere condolences to the entire Ortiz family. We love you.

Cousin John…We were so sad to learn of your passing. May you rest in the peace and glory of heaven with your father Oscar and all your other family members. I know my mother is there to greet you with open arms. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Margie, Phil, Carolyn, Jenn, Christine, Jorge, Kathryn, and Dominick…We are so sorry for your loss! I’m sure the Yankees are playing well and will win the World Series in heaven 🙂

With Love,
Margaret, Jim, Michelle, Brenda, Patrick, & Michael Crowley

To my dear son
Your kind and loving heart will always be a comfort to remember through my tears because you left the world a better place. I always looked forward to our weekly lunches with your easy going personality, forever accepting and forgiving people …”he is who he is” and “she is who she is.” You were there whenever I needed you with a smile and some philosophical advice. Wise beyond your years, Your loving support will never be forgotten. I miss you so much that it hurts. Until I see you again, I know you’re sharing your smiles in heaven with Dad and countless others ❣️❤️ Mom

Our are thoughts are with you Jen! If there is any way we can help just let us know, if you come to NY and need a place to stay you are welcome to stay here. Mike and Nancy Mangino