We were blessed with Andrew Jonathan Ortega on May 3, 1997. Born in Secaucus, and raised in Rutherford, New Jersey, Andrew was an integral part of his community. Andrew, 13, gave 150% at all that he endeavored. He played baseball, basketball, and football in town with exemplary passion and skill. His sportsmanship was admired by coaches, teammates and parents alike. A Gifted and Talented student at Pierrepont School, Andrew excelled academically maintaining high honors. Andrew cultivated an excellent rapport with both teachers and students. His gregarious and charismatic nature drew people to Andrew. He possessed a sense of humor that was enjoyed and appreciated by all. His generous spirit was uplifting and he was adored by all those who had the honor of knowing him. The heavens needed another shining star. On August 28, 2010 Andrew passed away peacefully in his sleep. He is survived by his parents Jose M. Ortega and Michelle Rogers-Ortega, his siblings Katelyne Ortega and Isabelle Spencer, his grandparents Jose and Teresa Ortega and Rose Rogers, and his stepfather Christian Spencer. Our family is deeply saddened by this sudden loss. Andrew was the driving force behind all that we aspired to. The memory of our son will give us strength and guidance through these difficult times. He will forever be in our hearts and souls. Words cannot express how much we will miss "our boy."
Friends are asked to assemble directly to the church for the Funeral on Wednesday with a 9:30 Mass of Christian Liturgy in the Church of St. Mary, Home Avenue Rutherford. Family will receive friends Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Collins Calhoun Funeral Home 19 Lincoln Avenue Rutherford. Interment: Hillside Cemetery, Lyndhurst, NJ
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Andrew Ortega Foundation, P.O. Box 272, Rutherford, NJ 07070