Manuel

Ortiz

At the age of 68, Manuel Ortiz, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully passed away on January 2, 2026, at Massachusetts General Hospital. After demonstrating remarkable courage in his battle with cancer over the past two years, he is now at rest.

Born on September 22, 1957, in Coamo, Puerto Rico, Manuel was one of 13 children born to the late Jose S. Ortiz and Eufemia Sanchez. His upbringing in Puerto Rico instilled in him a deep sense of family and community, values that he carried with him throughout his life.

Manuel dedicated 15 years of service as a firefighter in Cambridge, where he was well-respected among his colleagues and the community. He retired from service in 1998 due to a line-of-duty injury, but his commitment to helping others never wavered.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Juanita Sanchez, and four wonderful children: Manuel Ortiz Jr. and his wife Susie of San Diego, CA; Jomayra Julmeus and her husband Patrick of Salem, NH; Jenitza Ortiz of Philadelphia, PA; and Emanuel Ortiz of Chelsea. He also cherished the time spent with his seven grandchildren, Nelliana, Armando, Ariana, Giovanni, Naileah, Hailey, and Julian, whom he adored and supported in their endeavors. An unwavering supporter of the Boston Red Sox, Manuel enjoyed coaching his son Emanuel in Chelsea Little League and high school baseball, fostering a love for the game that brought them closer together.  Predeceased by three siblings, he is survived by nine siblings and an extensive array of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Manuel's life during the upcoming funeral services. A visitation will take place at the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea, on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. A formal funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M., concluding with his interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Manuel's memory may make contributions to a charity of their choice.  Let us come together to celebrate the life of a remarkable man who devoted himself to his family, friends, and community. Manuel Ortiz will forever remain in our hearts.