Obituary of John J. Ortell

ORTELL, John J. Age 78 of Horseheads, NY. He was born May 1, 1936 in Elmira, son of the late John and Anna (Stempin) Ortell and passed away Sunday, March 1, 2015 at home after a courageous battle with ALS, with his family by his side. He left us to be with our Risen Lord in heaven. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his sister Cecilia Nimec. He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 51 years, Rose Anna (Rockwell); son John Paul Ortell of Asheville, NC; daughter Andrea (Allen) DeLosa of Gillett, PA; adoring grandchildren Madeline, Allen, Jr. and Johnny DeLosa; brother Francis (Rose) Ortell of Elmira; mother-in-law Hilda Rockwell of Horseheads along with nieces and nephews. He was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Parish; attended St. Cecilia's Elementary School and EFA. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in Germany and was later recalled to Ft. Bragg, NC. He was employed with Hardinge Bros. for 23 years and the Horseheads School District for 15 years. His life revolved around his faith and family. John enjoyed woodworking, gardening, birds and flowers, antiquing and spending time with his grandchildren who will fondly remember him as their loving "Papa". John was a kind and loving man who always had a beautiful smile and a generous spirit of giving. During his illness, he was courageous and a true witness of his deep faith. The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Mitchell and his staff, the Bath VA and Paralyzed Veterans, and caregivers Allison, Danielle, Megan, Michael, Sandy and Vanessa; dear supporting and forever friends Steve, Carolyn, Maureen and many others who were kind and caring to John. He truly appreciated their help. Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira on Wednesday, March 4th from 4 to 7 pm. Prayers will be offered there on Thursday, March 5th at 9:30 am, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in Ss. Peter & Paul Church. Rev. Richard Farrell, Celebrant. Committal prayers and interment will follow in St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. To honor his memory, enjoy the little things in life, as he did, and hold your family in love. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may remember John through donations to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950 or the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 344 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13202.