Lawrence Anthony Ortiz

Lawrence Anthony Ortiz passed away on June 20, 2023 at the age of 91 in Sacramento CA.  He is survived by his wife of 69 years Teresa; his loving children Cynthia Fisher (Mike), Catherine Ortiz, Carolyn Bodai (Ernie), Lawrence Ortiz, Leonard Ortiz (Irene), his grandchildren Matthew Weatherly (Leesa), Joshua Williams (Meghanne), Bradley Bodai, Miranda Williams (Paul); and his great granddaughters, who he loving referred to as ‘my little girls’, Savannah and Scarlett Weatherly, Avery and Riley Williams, Braelyn Bodai, as well as countless family members.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Patricia, his parents Florencio and Inez Ortiz, his sisters Inez, Carmen, Lupe, Annabelle, and his brothers Nathan and Paul.

As a young boy, Lawrence shined shoes for soldiers in Old Sacramento and at McClellan AFB. He always wanted to be a soldier and at the age of seventeen enlisted in the United States Army where he reached the rank of Sergeant during the Korean War.  His unit, E Company 31^st Infantry Regiment (The Polar Bears), 7^th Division, was engaged in the epic battle of the Chosin Reservoir Campaign.  Lawrence was a member of the ‘Exclusive Fraternity of Honor The Chosin Few’. He served his country with honor and pride.

After his honorable discharge, he married Teresa, April 17, 1954.  He was hired as a laborer in residential construction. A journeyman carpenter saw his potential and took him under his wing. He attended carpenter trade school.  Lawrence was a dedicated carpenter for 36 years who was involved in building many homes throughout the Sacramento area and was a committed member of the Carpenters Union Local#46 at the time of his death.

Lawrence loved his family and always made sure they were provided for. He instilled his strong work ethic into those close to him, and it will be proudly carried on by his family and friends. He will be missed as a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and family member.