It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of our beautiful, amazing and beloved husband and father, Eligio Rivas Ortega Jr. Three months short of his 88th birthday, the Lord called him home. Eligio will also be reunited with his loving parents, Eligio Ortega Sr. and Lydia Rivas Ortega Y Cancel.
Eligio is survived by his wife Virginia (Cabrera) Ortega. His surviving children and their spouses include Leo Ortega and Debra Ann (Mercado) Ortega, Nina (Ortega) Wadowski and Stanley Wadowski, Lydia (Ortega) Rodriguez and Richard Rodriguez, and Tara (Ortega) Anderson and Eric Anderson. Grandchildren include Lauren Samantha Manning, Madison Elise Peterson, Steven Robert Hernandez, Ashley Nicole Lowery, Eric Patrick Butts Jr., and Leanne Dominique Ortega. Great Grandchildren include Alanna Elise Manning, Kalina Lowery, Ella Rose Manning, Kamora Lowery, Kori Lowery (expected July 2023), and Jackson Eligio Hernandez (expected September 2023).
His love deeply touched everyone who came to know him. He was passionate about loving, giving, and helping others, especially his family; and, if you knew him long enough, you became family. Always thinking of everyone else, his love had no boundaries. He touched countless lives, no matter the age.
Eligio was born on September 17, 1935, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. At the age of 13 his family moved to New York where he met the love of his life, Virginia, at 19 years old. After returning from serving in the United States Army, they married in 1957, and are just shy of celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary approaching on July 20.
Upon a well-deserved retirement in 1997 from Con Edison, they chose to live out retirement enjoying the sunshine and beach life in Virginia Beach. There was no greater joy than spending time with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Eligio peacefully passed on June 2, 2023, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his wife and loved ones.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5033 Rouse Dr., Virginia Beach, VA, 23462 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. A Prayer Mass will be held at St. John the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 1968 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 10 a.m. Eligio will be honored and laid to rest at Princess Anne Memorial Park, 1110 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA, 23454 following the mass.
Eligio, husband, father (pa), grandpa and great-grandpa, forever in our hearts, always in our memories, may you Rest in Peace.
My friend and neighbor Leo, I will miss you. I will cherish all the memories we had through the many years we were neighbors. Ms. Nina, I’m sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and please remember I’m still right next door if you should need help.
So sad to hear about Leo passing..condolence to the Ortega family it was an honor to serve him at Mary’s restaurant..prayers to Ms Nina and the family
Our deepest sympathy to the Ortega Family. Mr. Ortega was a wonderful person, and we know he will be missed by his family. Our prayers and condolences are with you all.
Sincerely, Paul & Janet Mercado