Severo Cordero Ortiz, 91, of Paterson

A funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, July 30 in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson for Severo Cordero Ortiz. He died at home on July 23. He was 91.

Ortiz was born in 1933 in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, the eldest of 11 children. In 1954 he married Carmen Lucila Torres from Orocovis, Puerto Rico. They had seven children together.

In 1966, Ortiz sought better economic opportunities for his family and emigrated to Paterson. After the death of his wife, while still in Puerto Rico the following year, he brought his children to New Jersey.

Many people helped Ortiz, including his sister, Luz Maria; his brother, Teodoro, and family; other extended family; the Paterson Diocese, including the St. John’s community and St. Boniface Parish, also in Paterson, which initially provided shelter, food, and clothing; volunteers; and New Jersey social services.

One of Ortiz’s greatest achievements was bringing his children to the United States, raising them as a single parent, and keeping them united.

In the 1990s, Oritz met Carmen L. Camacho. Together, they had a son, with whom he lived until his death.

Ortiz worked various jobs in factories and warehouses and as a handyman. He also operated several candy stores in and around the Spruce Street and Grand Street areas. One of them became a location for family birthday and holiday parties and game nights.

Ortiz cherished time with family and friends, staying in touch with loved ones locally and in Puerto Rico. He enjoyed Puerto Rican folk music and playing his guitar.

Ortiz is survived by his children, Angel Manuel, Severo, Jr., and Carmen Lydia all of Paterson; William Cordero of Garfield; Carlos Enrique and his wife of Kissimmee, Fla.; Luis Roberto and his wife of Paterson and Blanca Margarita and Anthony, both of Paterson. He is also survived by six of his siblings, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.

A viewing was held before the funeral Mass at the Martinez Memorial Funeral Home in Paterson on Monday, July 29. Ortiz was buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa.