Paul Ortiz

Paul Ortiz, 84, a 20 year resident of Seneca, SC, formerly of Madeira, OH, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2015 in Ft. Myers, FL. He was born October 12, 1930 in Detroit, MI to Paulino and Dolores Ortiz, now deceased.

Paul attended St. Gertrude's Catholic Church in Madeira, OH and St. Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, SC. He was a loving Husband, Father, Scientist and a Devout Christian.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Joan Ortiz of Seneca, SC; six loving children, Maryann Ortiz- Inns (Don) of Indianapolis, IN, Paul Ortiz (Kathleen) of Wood-Ridge, NJ, Daniel Ortiz (Karen) of Portland, OR, Patricia Ortiz of Salem, SC, Kathleen Ortiz of Salem, SC, and Michelle Ortiz-Grace (Jeff) of Cincinnati, OH; brother, Miguel Ortiz (Marilyn) of Glenmont, NY; ten grandchildren; four great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by a son, Michael Ortiz and a brother, Richard Ortiz.

Memorial contributions in memory of Paul Ortiz are suggested to Birthright Of Clemson South Carolina.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ft. Myers, is entrusted with final care.

Paul was a humble man who had a brilliant career in Aeropsace Engineering. Upon his addition to the National Air and Space Museum he offered this autobiography about his most significant accomplishments:

Mr. Paul Ortiz

Honoree Profile

Honoree: Mr. Paul Ortiz

Wall of Honor Location: Foil: 27 Panel: 4 Column: 1 Line: 27

Wall of Honor Level: Air and Space Sponsor

AIRCRAFT ENGINES - 23 years Worked in Advanced Technology in cycle and performance design of new engines. Applications were for commercial transports, military fighters, and technology research demonstrators. Product engines included CF6-50 family for Douglas, Boeing and Airbus (in Europe). Research engines were the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Energy Efficient Engine (E ) and military variable cycle engines. Developed the YF120 engine for the F-22 Raptor fighter competition with Pratt & Whitney.

SPACE PROGRAM -8 years Worked on USAF military satellite programs, Program 206 and the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL). Can't say much more.

In the Advanced Nuclear Systems Operation (ANSO) we worked on studies and development of nuclear systems for space programs. We designed a 9-pound Plutonium Isotope capsule for a lunar experimental package deployed on Apollo 12-17 missions. The one on Apollo 13 reentered our atmosphere safely within our "graphite" cylinder. Worked on studies involving nuclear powered ION propulsion for missions in our solar system, including a comprehensive Mars mission study.

AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS - 7 years Worked on designing the GE 412L air defense system deployed in western Europe. My group worked on integration of weapons systems, primarily the F-102A and F-104G fighter aircraft to defend against the Soviet threat.

Prior to joining General Electric I worked on the North American Air Defense System (416 L) known as "SAGE." Was part of the test team to integrate the control centers into the network. This effort focused on the electronics of the system.

EARLY BACKGROUND Graduated with BS Aeronautical Engineering from Wayne State University January 1958. Spent 1 year in electronics school in the Army to maintain the NIKE antiaircraft fire control system. After leaving the Army, I worked at Chrysler Missile Division in Michigan as a test engineer in the guidance & control lab on guidance computers for the U.S. Army Redstone Missile.

Paul and his wife Joan Ortiz established the Birthright Chapter of Clemson South Carolina. Their tireless leadership spoke to their love of the unborn and their commitment to life for everyone. Paul achieved the honor of 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. Memorial Services will be held in Seneca, South Carolina on August 8 at Saint Paul the Apostle Church at 1PM and a Memorial Mass will be held at Saint-Gertrude's Catholic Church in Madeira, Ohio on Friday August 21 at 6PM.