Southland Mourns The Loss Of Local Musician Eric Ortiz

TINLEY PARK, IL — On Oct. 5, a popular Tinley Park musician died unexpectedly at the age of 38. Eric A. Ortiz was a Tinley Park resident who played in a band at many venues across the Southland area, and even used his talents to help raise money for local charities.

According to the Curley Funeral Home obituary, Ortiz was the loving husband of Jacqueline, nee Pietryla, and the father of children Aubrey and Logan. He was the cherished son of the Robert and Diane and brother of Jason Ortiz. Ortiz was the son-in-law of Michael and Sophie Pietryla and brother-in-law of Angela, Scott, Jacob, Michael Jr., John, Joshua, and Daniel. Ortiz was also a nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to many.

In lieu of flowers, in honor of Eric’s late mother, Diane, friends are asked to donate to the Lupus Society of Illinois at www.lupusil.org.

Ortiz was a musician in the band Rendition. He would often perform at 115 Bourbon Street with the band as well as solo gigs. The venue put up a memorial display for Ortiz, writing "No words... Just Memories," which can be seen below.

David Fulton, a former band member with Ortiz, said there was always something special about Ortiz, and that everyone who knew him knew just how special he is.

"There was this inner light that would come out when you were around him," Fulton said. "He was always there to lift people up... I played in the band for about 10 years and we became best friends. We loved each other like brothers."

Fulton said the loss of his best friend has been really tough for he and other that knew Ortiz. He added that Ortiz is one of the best people he has ever met.

"Amazing people like him aren't supposed to die this early... they always say the good die young and this is a glaring example of that," Fulton said. "He was the best human being I have ever known. He was genuine and never pretended to be the man he was. The kindness, selflessness and more... he would do anything to help others. It was such a blessing to have him in our lives and everyone who had the opportunity to step into his orbit is so lucky."

Ortiz helped raise money for charities with his music. Sarah Lauch with the Live Like Roo Foundation said she was a fan of Ortiz and later became friends with him. Lauch said Ortiz played at many of her charity events. She said without Ortiz, the charity may have fallen.

"He helped us raise $45,000 from April to October by hosting Facebook happy hour gigs every week," Lauch said. "He would never greet anyone without giving them a hug, and he was always so selfless and supportive. He was so dedicated to helping everyone around him."

Lauch said that Ortiz she's thankful that Ortiz had the past six months to spend more time with family.

"This was a time they made more memories together than usual because he worked nearly every night. He would do anything for his family, but not just his family, for anyone," Lauch said. "He just makes you feel like family, even if you're not... he cared so much about his family and that's the hardest part."

Funeral services for Ortiz were held on Oct. 12.