Reinaldo Ray Ortiz

Reinaldo Ortiz, 50, of Willimantic, beloved family man, passed away Saturday, December 29, 2012 in Willimantic. He was born January 30, 1962 in Rio Piedra, Puerto Rico to Juan A. Ortiz and Alejandrina Ortiz of Willimantic. Reinaldo moved to Willimantic as a young boy and grew up here. Reinaldo was also known as Ray or Ray Ray. He attended Windham Technical School where he played football, a sport he loved, and received a diploma in automotive mechanics. He married Elsa "Jackie" Perez on December 8, 1979. Ray worked at Mansfield State Training School, UConn and Tri County ARC. He loved to play basketball, jog, work out at Future Fitness and attend church. In addition to his parents and wife, he is survived by six children, Sheilla, Natasha, Stephanie, Glenda, Jacqueline and Luis Ortiz, his grandchildren, Leisha, Alexander and Nalia Bencosme, Emry Flores, Keylianis Acevedo, Emilion Flores, Elianis Ortiz and Elian Ortiz. Ray is also survived by his brother, Juan A. Ortiz Jr. and his sisters, Maribel Ortiz and Marisol Hernandez, eight nieces and nephews and seven great nieces and nephews. Anyone and everyone that knew Ray knew that he was a wonderful, caring, loving, selfless man. Ray was such a funny man, always making someone laugh and always wanting to have a good time. If anyone was in need, he would not hesitate to give what was needed. He touched many hearts and was loved by many. Ray was an excellent, loving son, brother, uncle, friend and husband. But most of all, he was an amazingly wonderful father and grandfather. He will forever be greatly missed and never forgotten. We love you and may you sleep with the little angels. His family asks that family and friends wear white to his wake and funeral. His family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, January 6, 2013 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 7th at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St. Willimantic with assembly at the church. Burial will follow in the New Willimantic Cemetery. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.