It is with great sadness that the family of Orlando Cortes Diaz announces his passing after a brief illness, on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the age of 79 years. Orlando Cortes Diaz was born on May 30, 1945, to Jose Cortes and Edelmira Diaz Gutierrez in
San Juan, Puerto Rico.
He moved to New York City at a young age with his mother and two siblings Sonia Maria Cortes Marti and Jose Cortes Diaz. After graduating high school, he joined the military to become a firefighter. He served in the Airforce for 23 years. He ended his career as a Master Sargeant teaching other firefighters how to rescue the astronauts out of the space shuttle. While in the military he had two daughters, Samantha Cortes-Quitman and Josette Cortes-Nickerson.
He married his loving wife, Diana Cortes, on June 17, 2004, and had 29 years of laughter, love and gained a wonderful family, Esmeralda Contreras, Mercedes Anderson Abelino Martinez, Adrian Martinez, Diana Martinez. As years went by, their family had grown to gain sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and their 19 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Orlando and Diana had a relationship like no other. They shared an unbreakable bond. They enjoyed experiencing new adventures at every chance they could get traveling. They enjoyed going to the casino, listening to music, dancing and singing together. She shared
that on their last trip together a song and he sang to her. He was a romantic until the very end. Orlando was a hero – selfless and put others first. He will be fondly remembered by all. May he always be in our thoughts and forever in our hearts.
to my daddio… i love you and miss you dearly. until we see you again 💙💕💜
My love, I will miss your handsome smile and the deep love we had for each other. Indeed, like no other!!!!!
I will forever treasure our precious memories and the quality time we spent together.
I LOVE YOU TO INFINITY AND BEYOND MY LOVE OF MY LIFE❤️❤️❤️
No im so sorry for your loss! Your dad was an amazing man.
Mr Cortes, you have been around our family for years and years. You were like family to us, and we loved the lasting memories that we will cherish forever!! Heaven sure gained a great one! We Will Miss You!!! Love You, Fly High!!
You were an amazing friend – to my late husband Michael, and to me, even before you knew me.
I will miss your amazing personality, your smile and your laughter.
I am so glad that God saw fit to bless you with your wonderful Diana. She was such a gift.
I will never, ever forget you (especially the part when you and Aaron carried that Christmas Tree up to that mountain cabin as part of Michael’s proposal). You were a bright spot in my life.
Diana. You have my deepest condolences, and remain ony thoughts and prayers.
My dear friend Orlando, you will be missed by all and your loving family, especially Samantha and Josette. I remember the first time we met, your dazzling smile, beautiful personality, and lots of laughs. You became a father at a very young age, but you were the best. May God be with you as you enter the open doors of heaven. You will always be in our hearts. I am here for your girls.