Jose A. Ortiz-Acevedo

Jose A. ?Rocky? Ortiz-Acevedo, 51, of Columbia, husband of Judith (Szegda) Ortiz, died Friday December 21, 2001 at home. He was born September 6, 1950 in Manati, PR, the son of Jose Otiz-Adorno and Maria Acevedo of Puerto Rico and had lived in Connecticut for the past 31 years. He was a well known bass player and a member of Yujike, a Windham area band with whom he played folkloric music and also El Cacique, a Hartford area merengue band. Jose spent many years collecting stringed instruments. He was employed as a mechanic for 8 years before entering Eastern Connecticut State University as an adult where he earned his Bachelor?s degree in 1997, majoring in Spanish and Fine Arts and where he was inducted into the Spanish Honor Society. He was employed as a substitute Spanish teacher in the Hebron and Coventry school systems and was former chairman of the board of directors of P.R.O.P. (Puerto Rican Opportunity Program) In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by 2 sons, Anthony and Jose Ortiz, both of Columbia, 3 sisters and a brother, Nicolasa Ortiz, Sonia E. Ortiz, Sonia N. Ortiz and Diego Ortiz, all of Barcelloneta, PR, many nieces and nephews. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. at Iglesia Sagrado Corazon, Club Rd. Windham. Burial will follow in the West St. Cemetery, Columbia. His family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Eastern CT, P.O.Box 716, Mansfield Center, CT 06256