Ernesto Ortiz Martinez, Jr.

83, of Westerly, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2026, at Westerly Hospital. Born on February 17, 1943, Ernesto was a man of strong work ethic and deep devotion to his family. He spent 50 dedicated years as a skilled roofer for Viking Sheet Metal & Roofing, leaving a legacy of hard work and craftsmanship. Outside of his professional life, he was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and tending to his garden. He was affectionately known on Boston Neck Road as the "Tomato man," a testament to his passion for sharing his harvest with the community.

He was preceded in death by his beloved partner in life, Gloria Champlin Fry, who passed away in 2013; his beloved parents, Ernesto Ortiz and Petra Ortiz Martinez; his sons, Ernesto Ortiz Jr., Rocky Fry, and Darryl Fry; and his siblings Miguel, Hector, Carmelo, Daniel, and Erasmo. Ernesto is survived by his loving children, Carmen, Maria, Nora, Julie, Marlene , Dougie and Rhonda .He is also survived by his siblings Juanita Torres Ortiz, William Ortiz, Nelly Ortiz, Papo Ortiz, and Doris Ortiz. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will always carry his memory in their hearts.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory – SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Rd. (Rt. 1A), Narragansett, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM followed immediately by a funeral service at 12:00 PM.