Obituary of Carlito Ortiz
Carlito Ortiz passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, Thursday August 17th, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Putnam, he was the son of Dominique Gremo and Pedro Ortiz Jr. (Rajah Perez). He was a student in the Putnam School System from Pre-K through 10th grade. It was here he loved learning to play the piano and French, but more than academics it was here he was greeted everyday with love from his teachers, aides and favorite lunch lady.
Carlito was autistic but that is what he had, not who he was. He loved cartoons. Whether watching on his tablet or television, Tom & Jerry, Batman or SpongeBob you could hear his delight. He was a boy full of laughter. He was serious about the rocks and coins he acquired. He was a “collector”. He loved swimming at the YMCA, swinging in the park and bowling. He was an “athlete”. He loved tacos, pepperoni pizza, the 99 restaurant and McDonald’s all topped off with vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. He was a” foodie”. But most of all he was a boy who had unbridled happiness, loved without condition and was able to show that love without ever needing to say a word.
Besides his parents he leaves his Brothers Pedro Ortiz III and bonus brother Maziah Perez; Sisters Alivia, Amani and Sonia Ortiz. He leaves a very specially bonded Titi Danielle, Joel Rivera and their children Daviana, Jayda, Nikko and Alyus. Maternal grandparents Dorothy (Hynes) & Dr Frederick Barks, Douglas Gremo Sr.; Several Aunts and Uncles; Doug Gremo Jr (Amanda); Matthew Barks (Marissa); Dara Gremo (Guy VanStory); Nicholas Barks (Breannah); Henry Witter; Marlene Sierra; Noemi Torres; Norma Ortiz; Iyanna Ortiz; Israel Ortiz, Joseph Ortiz; Matthew Ortiz as well as several cousins.
He is predeceased by his paternal grandparents Pedro Ortiz Sr. and Sonia N. Rivera; his cousin Mariel Rivera.
Calling Hours are Friday, August 25th, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam, CT.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Carlito’s name to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. www.holeinthewall.org. Share a memory at www.smithandwalkerfh.com