In Loving Memory of Joey

Joe A. Ortiz-Mendez, 50, of Hammonton passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 17, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Joey was a beacon of joy and love in our family. His presence illuminated our lives every single day. He thrived when surrounded by family, and his greatest delight was celebrating birthdays "his own and everyone else's. Each celebration was made complete with the lights dimmed, candles lit, and the joyous rendition of Happy Birthday in both English and Spanish. Pizza birthday parties were Joey's tradition, and we will continue this beloved ritual in his honor. This past January, we celebrated his milestone 50th birthday remarkable achievement given the doctors initial prognosis that he wouldn't live past 12. Joey defied those odds and brought us countless moments of happiness. He cherished watching old sitcoms like The Three Stooges and Threes Company and relished the nostalgia of Menudo videos. Joey was our family angel, and his absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt. We take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his mother, Gladys, and our Tio Luis and Tio Benny, in heaven.

Joey is survived by his father, Valentin Ortiz, his two sisters, Norma Ortiz and Marie Ortiz (Joseph O'Donoghue), his brother Anthony Ortiz; his aunts and uncles, Maria L. Mendez (Angel), Hilda R. Mendez (Manuel), Ana A. Mendez, Neida Quinones (Ozzie), Migdalia Mendez (Angel), Magdalena Mendez, Felix Mendez (Carmen) and Delia Ortiz, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, 12:00 PM in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish, Church of St. Joseph's 226 French Street Hammonton where a viewing will be held from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Joey, we will miss your infectious smile and your caring inquiries about everyone. Rest in peace. We will always raise a Coke and smile in your honor.