Sfc Gil Alberto Ortiz Calderon

SFC Gil Alberto Ortiz Calderon, Age 42, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2020 at his home

SFC Ortiz Calderon was born in Puerto Rico on July 28, 1977 to Gil A. Ortiz-Aviles and Teresa Calderon-Berrios. He attended high school in Puerto Rico and furthered his studies at the University of Puerto Rico-Humacao receiving his bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

He enlisted in the US Army in 2008 and served several tours of duty overseas and was currently assigned to the ARCO HQ and support, Camp Humphreys, South Korea.

SFC Ortiz Calderon received the following Awards and Decorations: Army Commendation Medal with 1 OLC, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (4), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal, Basic Army Instructor Badge, Combat Action Badge, Driver Mechanic Badge and Driver Mechanic Wheeled Vehicles.

Gil loved riding motorcycles, hiking, wood working and anything that involved his children. He would watch car shows for hours and did everything with Taylor including cooking, playing with the kids, cleaning and even built the kitchen table as a project with Taylor. They would go to Walmart for one item and spend hours just looking around. One of his favorite things to do was binge watch the Office with Taylor and bum on the couch all day snacking. A loving husband, father, son and brother who will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Taylor Marie Ortiz Calderon; beloved son of Gil and Teresa; beloved father to Gireliss, Nathalia, Susan and Ian; beloved brother to Mariely, Anthony, Elizabeth Ortiz, Sandra Ortiz, Gil Ortiz and many extended family members.

Visitation will be 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday, March 7, 2020 at MacPherson Presbyterian Church, 3525 Cliffdale Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28303

A Funeral Service with Full Military Honors will begin at 2:00 PM following the visitation with Pastor James Randall officiating.

A reception will follow the service in the reception hall at the church.

Gil’s favorite color was Dark Royal Purple. The family is requesting you to wear this color or the colors of the Puerto Rican Flag to the service.

Arrangements for the family are entrusted to LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28304. On-line condolences may be made at www.lafayettefh.com.