Sergio Andres Ortiz

My baby brother Sergio Andres Ortiz was born on May 26, 1976, in San Antonio, Tx. He is survived by his parents, Hector Amado Ortiz Sr. and Maria Concepcion Ortiz, his brothers - Hector Ortiz Jr. and wife Paula, and Juan Felipe Ortiz; his children - Sergio Andres Ortiz Jr., Michael Nicholson, Sonya Nicholson, and James Nicholson along with a nephew, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces and cousins.  

The youngest of three, Sergio went to Judson High school in the early 90's. He spent most of his adult life working all around San Antonio as a chef for various establishments, usually making his way up from a line cook to running the whole place. He even worked as a manager at the famous Earl Abel’s Restaurant that is no longer around. Recently he had retired from being a security guard to stay home and help his father rehabilitate after 2 strokes and to assist with the care of his mother.

His passion was cooking.  He made everything from Asian to Italian to American BBQ, Mexican food and so on and so on. And yes, all of it was from scratch. He would always put on a show while cooking and his dishes would always come out great. There was never a bad dish made by Sergio. He knew how to play the guitar, draw, write and man did he know how to bowl. He was so good that he bowled a PERFECT GAME of 300, not once BUT twice in his life. Once at the old “Wonder Bowl” that shut down years ago. That bowling alley was his home away from home. He belonged to many bowling leagues both there and at Astro Bowl. He also had incredible patience which he practiced every time he’d go fishing at the coast.

Sergio was a special and unique person, very passionate. He loved to make people laugh with a funny story, a joke or by bringing up silly conversations and observations. But what he will most be remembered for were his dimples, contagious smile and trickster ways. A trait probably picked up from his dad. His parents recently said that they “did not know anyone who ever had anything bad to say about Sergio because he never fought with people”. He was someone with a sweet and calm demeanor who enjoyed adventures. So much, that in 2017, he even went SKYDIVING and there are even pictures that captured that monuments event. Sergio loved the Texas Rangers. He showed that love on Father’s Day 2010 when he wore his jersey to surprise his father and oldest brother with a MLB game in Houston to see the Rangers play the Astros.

His love for music was enormous.  He liked all kinds of music - from classic rock to Tejano to heavy metal, classical, country, and even - Japanese girl rock bands. His latest adventures and income came from collecting CDs from these bands, getting them signed by the artist and then selling them to collectors. His favorite artist was: Stevie Ray Vaughn whom he loved so much that he even took his nieces and nephew to experience Stevie’s roots in Austin along with the flight of the BATS. Another favorite place that Sergio liked to share with his family was the rock venue that is now known as the "Paper Tiger”. But back when he frequented it, it was called the “White Rabbit”.

While Sergio’s time on earth was short, he will live forever with his brothers, his family and all his friends. As Stevie Ray Vaughan once said:  

“The way people come into your life when you need them, it’s wonderful and it happens in so many ways. It’s like having an angel. Somebody comes along and helps you get right.”

But most importantly as John Lennon said –

“Everything will be ok in the end. If it’s not ok, it’s not the end.”

Pall Bearers:

Amado W. Ortiz

Genaro Rivera

Maria Serrano

Calletano Carrasco

Jason Sloan

Reynaldo Franco Jr.

Marcelo Serrano

Eduardo Franco