Hernan Fidel Ortiz Melendez November 3, 1938 - January 11, 2026

Our beloved father, Hernan Fidel Ortiz Melendez, passed away on January 11, 2026. Hernan passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, with love, prayers and faith of uniting with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Hernan was born on November 3, 1938, in Corozal, Puerto Rico, to the late Alejandrina Melendez (“Mama”) and Rafael Ortiz (“Fello”). He grew up in Corozal, the countryside of Puerto Rico, in a humble, faithful home. He is the second oldest of seven siblings. Hernan came to the United States as a young man and met his bride, Rosa Bou, in Brooklyn, New York. Hernan and Rosa dedicated their lives to each other, building a covenant of commitment, selfless love, faithfulness, and support for each other. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on June 29, 2025. It was in Brooklyn where Hernan would start his family and begin their legacy.

Hernan was a humble, honest, kind, and hardworking man with lots of ambition and an entrepreneurial spirit. As a father, grandfather and great grandfather, he instilled these same values in his family. His business adventures included grocery stores, restaurants (including a pizzeria), ice cream truck, and hot dog stand. Although he had some success in his businesses, his dearest achievements and success were his family. He loved and devoted his life to his family.

Hernan enjoyed playing dominoes, the art of boxing, watching the History Channel, and loved to watch October MLB. He was not a fan of a specific MLB team but rooted for and followed players that hailed from Puerto Rico or Latin America. He was a “PROUD PUERTO RICAN” man “DE PURA CEPA”. Hernan loved classic cars, the ocean and participating in picnics and barbecues with his family.

Hernan is survived by his wife, Rosa; children, Hernan, Jr., and wife, Esther, George and wife, Maria, Danny and wife, Veronica, Denise and husband, Jay, Jacqueline and husband, Octavio, Jasmin and husband, Jean; brothers, William and wife, Zory, Rafael; sisters, Lydia, Delia and Elenita; 16 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving sister, Ida Ortiz.

Family, friends, and loved ones are invited to honor our father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother. Visitation and service will be held at Heintzelman – Stephens Funeral Home, P. C., 274 N. Krocks Road, Allentown PA 18106. Visitation: Friday, January 16th, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM; Service: Saturday, January 17th, 9:30 AM.

Following the service, the interment will be in Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown PA.