Sebastian J. Ortisi, Jr.

Sebastian John Ortisi, Jr., 90, of Portland, husband of the late Regina (Zawisza) Ortisi, passed away peacefully Tuesday, (August 31, 2021) at his home. He was born May 7th 1931 in Middletown, the son of the late Sebastian J. Ortisi, Sr. and Carmelina (Cannata) Ortisi. Prior to his retirement, Seb was a parts manager at Standard Knapp in Portland. Over their 63 years of marriage, Seb and his wife enjoyed their summers at their beach house in Westbrook, winters at their house in Gulfport, FL and traveling the world. Seb was an avid sports fan. He was a basketball player for Middletown High. Later, joining a bowling league where they won numerous titles. For 50 plus years, Friday nights you could find him playing cards with his friends. He was a lifelong Yankees fan and often spoke of his childhood memories of visiting the stadium. At 78yrs, he was a kid in a candy shop when his granddaughter and grandson-inlaw surprised him by taking him to the new stadium. Seb was a family man with a good heart and an ever present smile. He was supportive of each of his children’s endeavors and proud of all they have accomplished. In the summer, he could be found at their beach house crabbing or taking walks to Salt Island with his family. His granddaughter and great-grandsons were the sparkle in his eyes. Even in his last days, his world a fog, he still remembered his great-grandsons. He is survived by his sons, Sebastian John Ortisi, III and his husband, Victor Cella, of Southfield, MA, and Richard Ortisi of Gulfport, FL; his daughters, Janice Heffernan and her husband, Tim, of Portland, and Karen Lutkus of Colchester; his granddaughter LaurieAnn (Caffery) Hansen and her husband, Adam, and greatgrandsons, Adam Jr., “The Champ” and Luke, of Branford; also several nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his brothers, Angelo W. Ortisi, Sr. and Joseph Ortisi; and sisters, Helen Ortisi and Sarah LaBella. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday (Sept. 7th) at 11 a.m. at St. Sebastian Cemetery, Middlefield. There are no calling hours. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Middlesex Hospice Home Care or Alzheimer’s Foundation. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.