Fernando Manuel Ortiz

Fernando Manuel Ortiz

April 27, 1952 – September 14, 2026

Fernando Manuel Ortiz passed away on September 14, 2026, at the age of 74 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Fernando was born on April 27, 1952, to Dr. Manuel J. Ortiz and Nydia (Santiago) Ortiz, a family with deep roots in Puerto Rico.

One of five children, Fernando grew up alongside his brothers, Manuel Ortiz and Raul Ortiz, and his sisters, Nydia Ivonne Burchinal and Lourdes Ortiz.

Fernando spent part of his youth in Puerto Rico before his family came to State College, Pennsylvania, while his father pursued his doctoral studies at Penn State University. Fernando attended State College Area High School and later returned to Puerto Rico, where he studied architecture and environmental design at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras.

Creative by nature, Fernando had a lifelong appreciation for architecture, design, and photography. His professional interests included architectural and real estate photography, art and landscape photography, and event photography. Photography became an important part of both his personal and professional life and reflected the way he saw and appreciated the world around him.

Fernando also had a deep commitment to public service. In July 1996, he began serving as an Auxiliary Police Officer with the Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia, dedicating more than two decades of volunteer service to the department and the Fairfax County community. His service included work in crime prevention, and in 2012 Fernando was among the Auxiliary Police Officers formally recognized by the Fairfax County Police Department for their contributions in that area. His many years as an Auxiliary Police Officer were an important part of his life and reflected his longstanding commitment to serving his community.

Fernando made his home over the years in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia area, eventually residing in Loudoun County, Virginia.

Fernando was married to Eva Andrea Marossy-Ortiz, who preceded him in death on March 24, 2013. Their families became forever connected through the years they shared.

Fernando is survived by his daughter, Amanda Ortiz; his stepchildren, Mietta and Milan Marossy; his grandchildren, Tierra, Landen, Axel, Rocco, and Ziggy; and his great-grandchildren, Stella, Leven, Lucy, and Goldie.

He is also survived by his brothers, Manuel Ortiz and Raul Ortiz, and his sister, Lourdes Ortiz, as well as extended family, friends, and loved ones who will carry his memory forward. Fernando also leaves behind his beautiful and devoted German Shepherd, Justice, who was a cherished companion and an important part of his life.

Fernando was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Manuel J. Ortiz and Nydia (Santiago) Ortiz; his wife, Eva Andrea Marossy-Ortiz; and his sister, Nydia Ivonne Burchinal.

Fernando’s life stretched across places, generations, and families—from his Puerto Rican roots to Pennsylvania and the life he later built in Maryland and Virginia. His interests in architecture, design, and photography revealed his creative side, while his decades of volunteer service with the Fairfax County Police Department reflected his dedication to his community.

Those who knew Fernando will remember the experiences they shared with him, the stories that became part of their family history, and the place he held in their lives. His memory will live on through his daughter, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

Fernando Manuel Ortiz April 27, 1952 – September 14, 2026

~In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Fernando’s memory may make a contribution to the Fairfax County Auxiliary Police Officer Gift Fund. Contributions may be mailed to Captain J.T. Bryant, 12099 Government Center Parkway, 8th Floor, Fairfax, VA 22035. Please include a note indicating that the contribution is in memory of Fernando Manuel Ortiz and is to be applied to the APO Gift Fund.