Ambrosio Jose Ortega

Dr. Ambrosio Jose Ortega of Albuquerque passed away the morning of October 8th, 2017 just 18 days shy of his 90th birthday. He was a beloved and excellent husband, father and son - and a good friend to many in his community and around the world. He is deeply missed.

Ambrosio was born in Chimayo, N.M. on October 26, 1927 to Apolonia and Juan Melquiades Ortega. He attended John Hyson Elementary in Chimayo, Allison-James Middle School in Santa Fe, and graduated from Menaul High School in 1945. He received his undergraduate, masters and doctorate degrees in education from the University of New Mexico. During most of those years, Ambrosio served in the United States Army and Army Reserve, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served his county with tremendous pride.

Ambrosio was a life-long educator with teaching positions at Menaul High, Manzano High, and The University of New Mexico. He also served as an administrator at the Albuquerque Technical-Vocational Institute and at U.N.M. He was a life-long member of Second Presbyterian Church in Martineztown.

An important era in the Ortega Family’s life was their time spent in Quito, Ecuador when Ambrosio took a position with the Latin American Projects in Education in 1968. This position opened the door to Ambrosio’s career in the U.S. Department of State with appointments to the embassies in Honduras and Barbados. He retired from the State Department after serving two years in Washington D.C..

Ambrosio loved to sing, and play his harmonica. He was also an avid fisherman and spent many days navigating the hidden trout streams and lakes of New Mexico with his two sons, Armando and Fernando.

He is preceded in death by three siblings who passed away in childhood, Ambrosio, Benigna, and Lucille; and seven who lived into adulthood, Ismael, Adonaisa, Elcia, Lourdes, Eustolia, Esther, and Benigna. He is also preceded by his parents, Apolonia and Melquiades Ortega - all of Chimayó, N.M.

He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 67 years, Eva; his four children, Cristina, Fernando, Armando, Lucinda and her husband, Michael Garcia; and by his grandchildren, Adán Garcia and Ruby Ortega.

The Ortega family is deeply grateful for the selflessness and generosity of the late Richard Martinez. Richard donated his kidney to Ambrosio in 2001. That gift gave Ambrosio 16 more years of life. We also are also thankful to Cristina Ortega for the constant, loving care she gave to her father these last three years. Armando was also a helpful caregiver to his father. Lastly, the family wishes to thank the following people from Heartland Hospice who provided physical care, spiritual guidance, and counseling in the last several months: Ruth, Anne, Julie, Amy, Kim, Dr. Pinon, and Rev. Dori Kay Hjalmarson

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 10:30 a.m., at Second Presbyterian Church in Martineztown. Honorary pallbearers are Monte Miranda, Curtis Schattschneider, Matías Romero, Michael Garcia, John Branch, Ed Branch and James Branch