Obituary of Rafael Ortiz

Rafael "Ralph" Ortiz, Jr. Rafael "Ralph" Ortiz, Jr. died at Highland Hospital Monday morning, February 2, 2009, after being diagnosed with cancer the previous week. He was born in Newark, NY on May 27, 1956, was baptized a Catholic and served as an altar boy, and graduated from Newark High School. Ralph was a well-known and highly-respected musician, having played bass with Rochester bands Mother Freedom and Saratoga in the mid-1970's and early '80's, as well as Syracuse-based band Dave Hanlon's Cookbook. He briefly moved to Puerto Rico, but returned to play with Chet Catallo & the Cats, Kicks, MCA-recording artists Cabo Frio, The Bandits and many others. In 1996, he co-founded Prime Time Funk with longtime friend Jim Richmond, and was currently playing with PTF and its offshoot, Hot Sweets. He had been a bass teacher at Northfield Music in Pittsford for more than 20 years. One of the most respected bass players in Upstate, NY, Ralph had recorded many regional and national commercials, including music for HBO and an Arthur Ashe documentary. He also performed on The Arsenio Hall Show with Cabo Frio, and backed up several well-known artists at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club in Paris. Ralph was predeceased by his father, Rafael Ortiz, Sr. and is survived by his mother, Josefina Ortiz of Yauco, Puerto Rico, as well as his companion LeAnne Sarubbi and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be very much missed by his many friends and fellow musicians. Calling hours at Falvo Funeral Home at 1395 North Goodman Street, Rochester, NY 14609 are Wednesday, February 4, 2009 from 4-8 PM. Ralph will be laid to rest in Yauco, Puerto Rico. A Memorial Benefit Concert will be announced shortly.