Richard Ortiz

Richard P Ortiz, 56, of Abilene, passed away extremely unexpectedly on Saturday morning, August 1, 2026. Funeral service will be on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street. Visitation will be on Friday, August 7th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Richard was a hardworking, family man who had a servant's heart and expressed his love by his acts of service. He was always laughing, smiling, goofing around, dancing and having a good time wherever he went. He was certainly the life of the party. He was a child at heart and loved spending his time with his granddaughters and great nieces and nephews. He was "Popo" to his grand babies but known as that to all the babies, no matter whose they were. His love knew no limits when it came to his granddaughters, even if it included playing dress-up, having karaoke parties or extra desserts after dinner; he would make it happen for his "Chicas."

Straight from high school, Richard began work as an auto body painter and his life's work can be seen in the vehicles he carefully painted throughout the years. His earlier years included cruising low-riders and break dancing with his crew. Richard spent the past 29 years of life with Jovita and together they share so many beautiful memories. He enjoyed sports, the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers were his absolute favorites. Football Sundays were usually spent with family, cooking and cheering on "the boys." Even with his birthday being on Christmas, the only things he ever requested were for his kids to be all together in one place and a homemade strawberry cake. He was the heart of our family, a father figure and mentor to many, and loved beyond measure. His love and advice have shaped his children's lives and many others that were lucky to have known him. It is with heavy hearts that we must see him off so soon, but we won't say "Goodbye," instead we will say, "See you later, Rich!"

He leaves behind his wife, Jovita, children, Christopher, Brianna and Noel, five granddaughters, Addison, Ophelia, Arilyn, Cecilia and Amaris, his mother, Ricarda, sister, Lina, and many nephews, nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Arcadio Ortiz Jr and his brother, Arcadio Ortiz III.