Manuel D. Ortiz

Manuel D. Ortiz
June 5, 1947 — May 10, 2026

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Manuel D. Ortiz, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who left this world peacefully on May 10, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on June 5, 1947, in the city of Ponce, Puerto Rico, Manuel was a man whose life was rich with love, dedication, and resilience. Manuel was the cherished son of the late Manuel Ortiz and Julia Medina. He was predeceased by his parents, his siblings Israel, Ruben, Heriberto, Hipolito, and Damian Lugo, Gladys Lugo, Juan Ortiz, and a sister who passed as a child. In 1987, he endured the heartbreaking loss of his young son, David Ortiz.

Manuel's journey led him to Massachusetts, where he built a life filled with love and laughter. Although he and Donna (Wilder) Ortiz parted ways as husband and wife, they remained steadfast companions, united in their enduring friendship and dedication to their family. Together, they nurtured a beautiful family that became the cornerstone of Manuel's joy and fulfillment.

He is survived by his devoted children: Julia Jodoin and her husband Jay of East Brookfield, Manuel Ortiz Jr. and his wife Nikkol of Raleigh, NC, Luz Penkala and her husband Terry of Webster, Jessie Ortiz of Webster, Ricardo Ortiz and his companion, Angelina Fleites of Webster, and Caitlin Clear and her companion, Benjamin Bousquet of Malden. Manuel was the proud grandfather to 12 grandchildren—Michael, Katrena, Alejandra, Sean, Talon, Tanis, Julian, Ricardo, Jacoby, Kylie, Milo, and Vera—and the adored great-grandfather to Aurora, Aubrielle, and Ezekiel. He also leaves behind close friend Patrice Clear and his dear siblings, Julia Lugo, Isabel Ortiz, and Luz Ortiz.

Manuel dedicated over 30 years of his career to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette as a diligent carrier, a role he performed with unwavering commitment and a familiar smile that brightened many mornings. Beyond his professional life, Manuel found solace and pride in his garden, cultivating a bountiful harvest of vegetables year after year. His garden was not only a testament to his hard work but a place where he shared his love for nature and nurtured the seeds of family connection, often surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Manuel's legacy of love and kindness will be honored on May 19, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 5:45 p.m. at the Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home & Cremation, located at 48 School Street in Webster, MA. Family, friends, and all whose lives Manuel touched are invited to join in celebrating a life well-lived and a soul deeply cherished.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Manuel's memory to Saint Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, continuing his legacy of compassion and care for others.

Manuel's life was a testament to the power of love, family, and perseverance. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth and generosity that will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial guest book is available at www.shaw-majercik.com.

Please Note:  Parking for those attending Manuel’s services is located directly across the street from the front entrance of the funeral home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Manuel D. Ortiz, please visit our floral store.