Benjamin Ortiz Sanchez

SFC Benjamin Ortiz Sanchez, USA (Ret), 76, passed away peacefully on June 8th. Born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, he was the loving husband to Ursula for over 55 years. Benjamin was a decorated Vietnam Veteran, serving over 20 years in the United States Army before his retirement in 1978. After retirement he served as the manager of Wyatt’s Cafeteria at Cielo Vista Mall for many years earning the title of the District’s Manager of the Year. He is fondly remembered for his fun loving and magnanimous personality, endlessly entertaining family and friends with backyard BBQ’s and in catering and hosting special events. He loved to cook and dance to salsa music and always enjoying being around his family. He was a Life Member of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He was predeceased by his father Fidel Ortiz, mother Elisa Sanchez, brothers Juan and Vicente, and granddaughter Abigail Anne Rose Ortiz. In addition to his wife, his memory is survived by his sisters, Lucy, Iris, Ines, Bethsaida, and brothers Israel, Miguel, Jonas and Fidel; four children, Roberto Ortiz and his wife Suzanne, Iris Kerwin and husband Jesse, Alfredo Ortiz and wife Brandy, and Carmen Torres and husband Alfred; six grandchildren, Benjamin, Anthony, Ryan, Kesley, Melanie, and Carisa; three great grandchildren, Aubree, Bennett and Kason and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. His family will receive friends on Sunday, June 12, 5-8 p.m., at the Sunset Funeral Home – NE on 4631 Hondo Pass Dr. A Prayer Service will follow at 7 p.m. Graveside Service will be held at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery with full Military Honors on Monday, June 13 at 11 a.m. Mourners will meet at Sunset Funeral Home for the precession to the cemetery at 10 a.m. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Please visit our online registry book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net