Pedro J. Ortiz

Pedro “Junior” Juan Ortiz, 80 years old passed away Monday, November 2, 2026 surrounded by family at Jesse Brown VA Hospital after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born September 16, 1946 in Cayey, Puerto Rico, the son of the late Angelica Cotto and Artemio Ortiz. He was the beloved grandson of Margarita Otero who raised, loved, and cared for him growing up.

Pedro moved from Puerto Rico at the age of 12 to Chicago, Illinois, where he met the love of his life, his wife of 57 years, Teresa Ortiz. Their love blossomed after they first met in 1968 and they built a life together on the Northside of Chicago, with their most remembered home near Montrose Ave and Damen Ave. They welcomed groups of family and friends when hosting for holidays, birthdays, and even just a regular Saturday family dinner.

As a proud army veteran, Pedro was honorably discharged from service in 1970 and prioritized focusing on providing and caring for his family as a loving brother, uncle, godfather, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. You could find him visiting with his nieces and nephews, taking his four children to the beach, zoo, or even to walk down State Street during the holiday season. Pedro loved to maintain a small garden he curated in the backyard that he would show off to his neighbors and grandchildren. When Pedro had the time, he loved to try his luck at fishing near Lincoln Park Zoo or Montrose Beach as well as plan picnics where kite flying was a must. You could always count on him to be there if anyone needed a ride to the store or to drive his grandchildren to and from school. An after school snack was a given if you were in his care as he enjoyed cooking or picking up a treat for his children and grandchildren.

He always welcomed challengers to play him in dominoes and brought the sounds of Puerto Rico alive at family gatherings whenever he played the güiro. Music was deep rooted in his soul as was his faith in the Lord. Throughout his life, he maintained his relationship with the Lord and prayed alongside his family, especially his two daughters, when faced with challenges and continued health struggles.

Pedro is survived by his beloved wife, Teresa, along with their children, Angelica (Pedro), Pedro “Junito,” Jose (Olivia), and Diana (Oscar).

He was a proud and loving abuelo/grandpa to Veronica, Vivianna, Miranda (Norberto), Jonathan, Oscar Jr. (Rebekah), Micah, and Lucia.

He held a special place in his heart for the most recent addition to the family, his great granddaughter, Penelope “Penny.”

Pedro is also survived by his brothers, Jesus Perez, Roberto Perez, and Freddie Perez. He was preceded in death by his parents, Angelica Cotto and Artemio Ortiz, and siblings, Maria Ortiz and Alberto Colon.

He will always be remembered as having the most loving, selfless, and courageous heart. He gave of himself like no one else. His resilience, strength, calm presence, and thoughtfulness will live on through his family.

A service will be held from 1:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. with a reception to follow Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Armitage Baptist Church, 2451 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647. All are welcome to join and gather until 6:00 p.m. for light refreshments and to celebrate Pedro’s life.

Interment will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 16, 2026 at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery on Vattman Road in Lake Bluff, IL 60044. All that are able to be present are welcomed to support the family as they lay Pedro in his final resting place.

For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847) 223-8122.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to help cover arrangements made for Pedro. You may reach out to his daughter, Diana Morales, at odmorale@yahoo.com to coordinate your contribution. Thank you for your kindness and support.

Please sign the online guestbook for Pedro at https://www.strangfuneral.org.