|
Jay was diagnosed with cancer in November of 2003 and passed in January of 2004. His family has been made aware of our website and will be visiting the site and his page. We are certain they will appreciate any kind words you'd like to share. Below is his obituary.
Paper: Newsday (Melville, NY)
Deceased: Ortiz, Javier (Jay)
Date: January 11, 2004
ORTIZ, Javier (Jay) of Brentwood, on January 9, 2004. Beloved husband of Yadira, devoted father of Javier Carlos and Kelly, Janira and Marisol, dearest son of Carmen Ortiz, loving brother of Noemi Ortiz. Cherished uncle of Angie, Amanda and Artie Ray. He was a member of St. Anne's K of C Council #4757, 4th Degree member of Our Lady of Fatima Assembly and past District Governor of District 20-S Lions Club. Reposing at the Michael J. Grant Funeral Homes, Inc. 571 Suffolk Ave., Brentwood. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, 9:45 AM at St. Anne's R.C. Church, Brentwood, followed by interment at Queen of All Saints Cemetery, Central Islip, N.Y. Family will receive friends Sunday, 2-4 PM and 7-9:30 PM.
Blessings to his family from Mercy Class of '69.
December 31, 1951-January 9, 2004
If you have any memories of Jay that you'd like to share, please enter them below. (Click on Post Response)
.gif)
|
Mary E. Clausing
I really didn't know Jay at all, just who he was and that we were able to find him for our 30th reunion. We were delighted that he was able to come and there are a couple of pictures of him from that reunion, posted on this website, under "Class Photos". I spoke with his daughter Janira to confirm his passing and she was lovely. I am sure you are very proud of her and your other two children, Jay, as you should be.Jay had a number of other accomplishments in his life which he recorded in his biography from our 30th reunion. I will recount them here. At the time of that reunion, November 1999, he wrote that he had been married to his wife, Yadira, for 24 years and that he had 3 children. Under "Education" he wrote: "St. John's University, NYS Corrections Academy, NYS Police Academy". His occupation entry was: "Investigator, Law Enforcement Division, Town Attorney's Office, Islip". Under the heading "Interesting Information" he wrote: "On Board of Directors for Suffolk County Health Dept., North Shore University Hospital, Rick Lazio's Congress Advisory Board, Governor of Suffolk County International Lions. On 9/24/99 was awarded with Presentations as an Hispanic to help the Hispanic Community into the next millenium, awards by County Executive Gaffney, Governor Pataki, Congressman Lazio, Town Supervisor McGowan, State Senators, County Legislature".
I know that your family, the nuns and our entire class is quite proud of you and respect all that you have accomplished for your community, Jay. It is sad that we had to lose you at 53 but God had a plan for you and apparently you had accomplished what you were put on this earth to do and He called you home. My God bless you and may you rest in eternal peace. See you on the other side, Jay!
Michaelene B. (Micki) Pierzchanowski (Sano)
Jay was a good friend throughout high school and later at St. John's University. When I was teaching at St. Anne's in Brentwood I taught his son, Javier in sixth grade. Jay's wife would come in along with his sisters for parent/ teacher conferences. I would always ask how he was. Later I also taught Jay's daughter Janira in the Brentwood Evening High School.Micki Sano (nee Pierzchanowski)
Brian Meehan
Jay brought a "different" style of humor to Sister Jeremiah's Spanish class. A couple of times, Jay debated Sister on Spanish grammar. Of course, it didn't take but a few moments before Sister would lose control of the debate and all hell would break out in the classroom.When Bus 80 asked me to no longer participate in the ride to Centereach, I desperately needed transportation back to Ronkonkoma. Jay and John de la Rionda came to the rescue and I became a stowaway on their small bus.
I spent a few minutes with Jay at the '99 reunion. I enjoyed our short visit and thought of it and Jay fondly when I discovered he left us. I am saddened, but I am happy that I had the opportunity to know him.
Martha Andrejack (Jones)
I was shocked and saddened to see another red rose amongst our list of classmates. I had several classes with Jay throughout the years at Mercy. He had a serious sense of humor (like Bob Newhart) that made you laugh all the more!I spoke with him at our 30th class reunion (in fact, I took that picture of him with the bottle of wine!) and he was overcome with emotion at seeing everyone. Little did we know that would be his last reunion with us. I will miss you Jay.
Kathie A. Rogers (Buckley)
Jay Ortiz was one of the sweetest, nicest guys at Mercy. He tore up Spanish class and made me laugh just about every day. I loved seeing him at the 30th. I'm sad for his wife and children.