Rufino Ortega

Rufino M. Ortega, 70, affectionately known as Fino, peacefully passed away and entered God’s kingdom on September 20, 2025. Fino was born on January 16, 1955 in East Chicago and spent his last years in Chicago, IL

He is preceded in death his parents: father Rufino, mother Maria Luisa and sister Gloria

Survived by brothers Robert Ortega and Thomas (Elizabeth) Ortega and devoted sisters Emily (Jose ) Bermudez and Connie (Abel) Del Toral.

Godfather to Nicholas Culp, Vincent Del Toral and Adelina Meynen. Beloved uncle to nieces and nephews: Kelley, Nicholas, Justin, Robbie, Diana, Viviana, Maria, Vincent, Jade, Isaiah and great nieces and nephews Anthony, Austin, Jude, Elena, Teo, Adelina, Joaquin, Sophia, Hans, Christian, Joslyn Mae, and great-great nephew Cassius (Cash).  He had many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Fino grew up in East Chicago Indiana among family and many friends. Fino was a member of the International Lions Club and the Indiana Harbor Knights of Columbus. He worked numerous years at the Catherine House Boys Club and for the City of East Chicago.

During his last years he resided in Chicago Illinois and participated in the Welles Park Special Recreation Program and Special Olympics Illinois (SOIL). In SOIL he participated in various sports including bowling, swimming, basketball, snowshoe, volleyball, bocce ball and his favorite sport – track/field and running (both short and long distance) where he won the gold medal several times. While in Chicago, he also attended the Anixter Center where he became a budding artist and had his artwork on display throughout the community. Fino was well traveled and spent a lot of time visiting family in California where he enjoyed one of his favorite pastimes – celebrity watching and visiting all the theme parks – Disneyland, Universal studios and Hollywood! He loved sports and attended the games of all the Chicago teams – Cubs, Sox, Bulls and his favorite team the Bears! One of his many interests was attending live music concerts. Over the years he saw Diana Ross, Blue Man Group, Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, The Average White Band and even Elvis in 1977 to name a few, but his favorites were local bands Together and Timepiece. His love of music remained with him all his life, often remembering lyrics and artists when others couldn’t. One of his favorite games? – “I can name that tune”.

Fino was a joy to know, full of love and true interest in his fellow man. Often striking up conversations with those he just met and making many friends along the way.

A funeral mass will be on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 3510 Deodar St, East Chicago, IN 46312, preceded by memorial visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 am

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Fino Ortega can be made to Special Olympics Illinois to continue Fino’s love and support of the Special Olympics IL programs. https://support.soill.org/Fino