Jeffrey Ortiz

Jeffrey L Ortiz, "JJ", age 67, of Erie, passed away at his home on February 19, 2013 following a battle with Parkinson's Disease that lasted over 20 years..

He was born on January 1, 1946 in Erie, PA son of Marge Morgan Scutella and the late Luis Ortiz.

Jeff graduated from Academy High School and obtained his B.A. from Edinboro University. Prior to becoming ill, he worked for Janitor Jim as a custodian at the Erie International Airport. He also worked at Erie Technological Products and Continental Rubber Works.

He was a very gifted guitar player. Since the age of 14, he played guitar in several bands such as Silver Legend, Legacy, Rock n Daddy and Black Diamond. In addition to guitar playing, his passion was building Harley Davidson and Triumph motorcycles. He built, customized, and won trophys for motorcycles, including his prized "Trike".

Jeff will be remembered for his sense of humor, his bluesy guitar playing, and his gentle caring ways. He will be sadly missed by all who loved and cared for him.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years Janice Bellotti Ortiz, his mother Marge Scutella a son Eric Ortiz and his fiancée Alexandra, and two daughters, Marie Lewis and her husband Dan and Gabrielle Sterner and her husband Todd. He is also survived by a brother Brent Ortiz and seven sisters Marie Keith, Maddy Perkowski, Lori Quintana, Melodi Ortiz, Diane Garvey, Tina Dolph and Leah Griffin.

Twelve grandchildren Eric, Stevie, Andie, Angel, Allie, Kiera, Eric II, Christian, Breanne, Sammie, Tessa and Katy. Several nieces and nephews along with special friends Bill Ridgeway and Tom Lewis also survive.

Friends are invited to call at Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 602 West 10th Street on Thursday from 2 to 4 pm and from 6 pm until the time of the service there at 8 pm