Henry R. Ortega Jr.

Henry R. Ortega 

  Nov. 26, 1923 - June 3, 2022

  Henry R. Ortega was born on Nov. 26, 1923 in La Villa Jimenez, Michoacan, Mexico and passed away on June 3, 2022   at the age of 98. He went to McClymonds High School, in Oakland. He joined the Navy during WWII and was stationed in Brisbane, Australia. He had many odd jobs while in Brisbane. He would cut hair, sing to all the soldiers, and build small cabinets for the soldiers. He worked at Judson Steel for 35 plus years. In Dec. of 1945 he met the love of his life, Trinidad Rodriguez. They were married June 9,1946 in San Jose, Calif. and was married for 59 years. He was a self-taught musician and received his 1st guitar at the age of 10 from his mother. He started the Mariachi Ortega in 1970; He played for parties, weddings, family gatherings, and many politicians including President Clinton. He loved to teach young people how to read and play mariachi music.  He will be remembered by his children and family as a loving father and grandfather, his devotion to all his family, his sense of humor and sharing his musical talent with everyone. 

     Here is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Alfonso Soto of Fresno, Calif.: granddaughter Olivia Silkwood of Fresno, Calif.  and his son and daughter-in-law, Henry (Rick) and Anne Ortega of Concord, Calif. 

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