Richard Velasquez Ortiz, Sr.

Richard Velasquez Ortiz passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born on September 8, 1949, in Texas City, Texas, to Pedro R. Ortiz Sr. and Isabel Velasquez Ortiz. He attended Texas City School and graduated on May 30, 1969.

On August 12, 1970, Richard was drafted into the United States Army and stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. After completing basic training in Field Artillery Basic, he was deployed to Vietnam on December 7, 1970, where he served until October 11, 1971. When he returned home, he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, until receiving his honorable discharge on February 29, 1972.

During his service, Richard earned multiple awards and commendations, including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Marksman Rifle Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. He completed his service as a Specialist E-4.

After serving his country, Richard built a long career with the U.S. Postal Service, working for 41 years before retiring in 2010. He was also a proud member of the American Legion Post 89 in Texas City, Texas, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in La Marque, Texas.

Richard enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros, and he cherished spending time with his family.

He proceeds in death by his parents Pedro and Isabel Ortiz Sr, his sister Rosemary Dehghani, and brother Michael Ortiz.

Richard is survived by loving family members, including his wife Trinidad Torrres Ortiz: sons, Richard Jr & wife Ramona, Marc & wife Dana, Ben Jr. & wife Jenna; daughters, DeAna, Lori & husband Rick, Venisha & fiancé Kalyhl & 13 grandchildren & one great grandchild; siblings, Pete Jr. and Phyllis Ortiz, Becky & Joe Mendez, David Sr. & Donna Ortiz, Roger & Stacy Ortiz and brother-in-law, Mori Dehghani.

He was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Pallbearers Justin Martinez, Treslyn Ortiz, Michael Martinez, Tavery Ortiz, Alex Martinez, Kameron Henderson, and Kashmeer Henderson.

Family will welcome friends and loved ones for visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 4, 2026, with a Rosary to begin at 6:30 p.m., at Emken-Linton Funeral Home in Texas City. 

Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 5, 2026, at St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church of Texas City. Interment will follow at Mr. Olivet Cemetery.