Simon Eugene “Gene” Ortega

February 24, 1950 – May 15, 2014

 

Mr. Eugene “Gene” Ortega, 64, passed away early Thursday May 15, 2014.

Born February 24, 1950 in Los Angeles, CA, he was the son of the late Oscar and Consuelo Cantua Ortega. He was married to the former Deborah “Debbie” Lou Litchfield who survives. He moved to Hyde County in 1991, residing there for the past 23 years and his most recent years were spent on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, working at the Outer Banks Beach Club.

Gene was the third of nine children, he was an accomplished barber, who graduated from barber college in 1977, a comedian at heart who brought smiles to everyone he encountered. A devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, friend he was truly loved by many. He was a genuine hardworking man who provided for his family by cutting hair, contracting and carpentry.

A celebration of his life was held on Sunday May 18, 2014, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robbie Ireland, 32524 US Hwy 264, Engelhard.

In addition to his wife of 30 years surviving are two sons; Michael S. Ortega of Lake Elsinore, CA, Gabriel E. Ortega of Greenville, NC; a daughter, Gena R. Ortega of Washington, NC; three extended sons, Jacob Blake of Summerville, SC, David Blake of San Diego, CA and Matthew Blake of Fayetteville, NC; six grandchildren, Heather Blake, Anna Blake, Morgan Blake, Zoey Blake, Abygail Blake and Natalia Ortega; two brothers, Michael Ortega of Walnut, CA, Eddie Ortega of Rosemead, CA; five sisters, Gloria Sandoval of Woodburn, OR, Cynthia Ortega of Phoenix, AZ, Diana Pineda of West Salem, OR, Patricia Ortega of Montebello, CA and Laura Luna of Fontana, CA.

He was preceded in death by a brother Oscar R. Ortega.

On line sympathy message can be directed to www.bryanfs.com.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.