Gabriel Ortiz of Seminole, Fla. died on Sept. 20, 2017 in Largo, FL. He was 83.

Gabriel was born on June 30, 1934 in Tolima, Colombia, the son Elpidio and Dolores Florez Ortiz. Gabriel graduated from El Rosario High School in Bogota and worked as an accountant at Empresa Colombiana de Gas. In the early 1960s he emigrated to Chicago, IL. He continued to work as an accountant at various companies. He later owned and operated a franchise convenience store in Evanston, IL. Gabriel and his wife, Marina, moved to Seminole in 1992. He operated a dry cleaning business and later was employed by the Pinellas County School District as a bus driver for 15 years. In his spare time he enjoyed gardening, vintage cars, soccer and playing pickleball at the Seminole Recreation Center. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marina; son, Mario, daughter-in-law, Jennifer Hicks, both of Chicago; brother, Alvaro Ortiz, of Colombia, and several nieces and nephews.

Gabriel was loved for his sense of humor and his dedication to his family. He was admired for his integrity, honesty and work ethic. He will be greatly missed.

A gathering in his memory will be held Friday, Oct 27, 2017 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, at the Mohn Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, Oct. 28, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.