Obituary of Luis Rafael Ortiz Alicea

Luis Rafael Ortiz Alicea, age 72, beloved husband of Carmen A. Ortiz of Ansonia, died peacefully on January 10, 2019 surrounded by his family at the St. Raphael Campus of Yale New Haven Health.  Born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico on September 1, 1946, he was the son of the late Francisco and Maximina Alicea Ortiz.  Mr. Ortiz served as a Police Officer for the Policía de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico State Police) for 27 years until his retirement in 1997.  Upon moving to CT in 1998, he started a second career as a Security Guard for the Bridgeport Public School System (Waltersville School) where he dutifully served for 13 years, until retiring in 2013.  Mr. Ortiz was a news fanatic, always checking the political climate, international news or simple current events from many types of media.  In his younger years he enjoyed playing softball in various leagues in Puerto Rico and carried his love of music, especially Spanish Trio, throughout his life. In retirement, Mr. Ortiz enjoyed trips to Mohegan Sun and spending time with his family, particularly his granddaughter.  He will be long remembered for his steadfast and devout conviction of his Catholic Faith. In addition to his beloved wife of 27 years, he is survived by his children, Maria L. Ortiz, Brenda L. Ortiz, Luis R. Ortiz, Luis E. Ortiz, Dianny M. Ortiz and Rafael O. Batalla; siblings, Carmen Ortiz Alicea (Loly), Francisca Ortiz Alicea (Panchi), Norma I. Ortiz Alicea, Felix Ortiz Alicea (Chiki), Jorge L. Ortiz Alicea (Jorgito), Tomas Ortiz Alicea, Tere Ortiz Alicea and Raquel Ortiz Alicea; grandchildren, Loraine, Jaziel, Jareliz, Nichole, Lizjared, Jasiah, Rafael, Luis E., Jonmarie, Naomi, Luis Jexdriel, Jexdrialis, Jarianny and Noriel; great-granddaughter, Dalinette and a soon to be great-grandson, Jonah Ismael; as well as many nieces and nephews.  A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 PM in the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia, on Sunday, January 13, 2019.  Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, prior to the service.  A Mass of Christian Burial and Interment will be announced in the future. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.