Joseph Daniel Ortega

Danny Ortega, age 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday,December 21, 2022. Danny was known for his gift of gab and arguing. He loved his family and friends, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. Danny loved music, movies, fishing, laughing and could sleep literally anywhere. Danny was a proud Navy Veteran. He was hard-working and motivated. He owned many businesses through-out his life and had many different careers. One of the great things about Danny was he never left you guessing. You knew exactly what he was thinking at all times, if not because of his words, then because of his facial expressions. He was honest to a fault. He never learned to mince words or tell a white lie. Danny wasn't the kind of guy who said he loved you. He was the kind of guy who would get you a job when you were laid off, open his home when you had nowhere else to go, give you the shirt off his back or the shoes off his feet. We will miss his smile, his jokes, his laughter and even his cough. He is survived by his wife, Rita Ortega; his son, Neil Ortega (Jessieray); his daughter, Danielle Ortega; his grandchildren, Barbara Quintanilla (Ethan Marquez) and Cheyanne Ortega; and his great-grandson. He is also survived by his brothers, Ronnie Ortega, Alfred Herrera and Leonard Herrera (Irene Herrera); his sisters, Gerri Hamrock, Anita Lehrkamp (Greg Lehrkamp), Becky Castleman ,and Sue Arnold (Mark Arnold). He also leaves many cherished nieces, nephews and friends. Danny was preceded in death by his mom, Patsy Ortega; his dad, Phil Ortega, and his brothers, Patrick Herrera and Mike Ortega. A visitation followed by a Rosary will be held on Monday, January 16, 2023, 5:00 p.m. at FRENCH-Lomas. A Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at Shrine of St. Bernadette, 11509 Indian School Rd NE, 87112 with interment to follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery.