Joe Venegas Ortiz

Joe Ortiz, born November 21, 1922 in El Paso, Texas, passed away on March 14, 2024 at the age of 101, in Sacramento, California. Predeceased by his wife, Consuelo, and daughter, Josie Ortiz Moreno, he is survived by his four adult children, 12 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren. 

A veteran of the United States Army, Joe served during World War II with the 13th Anti-Aircraft Group in the South Pacific, rising to the rank of Technician Fifth Grade. He later joined the US Army National Guard, serving with the 10th Armored Division in Los Angeles and volunteering for duty in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Retiring as a Sergeant First Class in 1974, Joe continued to serve his community through various roles.

In civilian retired life, Joe held diverse jobs in the restaurant, grocery, tire, and laundry industries, as well as in landscaping. He was honored by the City of Sacramento in 2002 for his contributions to preserving the Historic Sacramento City Cemetery. Most recently, Joe received a resolution from the city of Sacramento recognizing him on his 100th birthday. He cherished his family legacy and inspired others to reach their full potential. He will be greatly missed. 

In lieu of flowers, it was Joe’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to his favorite nonprofits - the Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Senior Center or the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) programs.

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