Joseph Daniel Ortega

August 2, 1990 - March 19, 2022

Joseph Daniel Ortega, age 31 of Houston, Texas, joined our Lord and Savior on March 19, 2022, in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He was born on August 2, 1990, to Maria Aguirre and Juan Ortega in Houston, Texas. His worldly body has returned to his hometown, to rest in peace next to his big brother, John "JD" Aguirre. Brothers united after 14 years. Joseph is preceded in Death by his brother, John "JD"Aguirre, maternal grandmother, Loretta Galdianeo Aguirre, paternal grandfather, Manuel Ortega, and maternal great grandparents, Joe and Inez Nunez. Joseph is survived by his Loving parents, Maria Aguirre and Juan Ortega; sister, Raccine Ortega; nieces, Genevieve Azpiazu and Lilia Aguilar; nephews, Joshua Azpiazu, Jovanni Azpiazu, and Richard Aguilar; and many more relatives and friends. Joseph Ortega was one of the sweetest, most kind-hearted people you could ever meet. He was a super cute guy with a beautiful smile. He was 31, but he could've passed for 17 easily. He was a little guy with a huge heart. He worked at the local Waffle House as a waiter/server. He LOVED his job. He loved serving people. He planned on returning to Massage School. Most of all, he loved serving God. Joseph had been SAVED many years ago. He found solace in the warmth of the Pentecostal faith. He became a faithful follower and spread the Word wherever he went. He proudly used his story as Testimony of Jesus's Love for us. Joseph also had his demons. He had conquered the demon of Addiction with his Faith. He also battled the Demon of Mental Illness, namely Bipolar Depression; that had tortured him since early childhood. Everyday was a battle. A recent heartbreak and death of his first child proved to be too much. He fell into a Deep Depression. He fought it so hard. He desperately sought help, but nothing worked in his favor. God saw his great suffering and called him home. Depression is real. It is not in someone's head. You can't "just snap out of it," "get over it" or "move on." A Bipolar brain functions at super loud or super slow; there is like no middle ground, especially with no medication. If someone says they want to kill themselves, they are not necessarily looking for attention. Sometimes, they mean it. #listen. #beKind. #PreventSuicide Thank you for each and every donation, support at the benefit, and family and friends stepping up in our greatest time of need. As you can imagine, my husband and I are devastated. My daughter and Joseph's nieces and nephews are heart-broken. He was an integral part of our family. Services will be held at: Felix H. Morales Funeral Home & Crematory 2901 Canal St. in Houston, Texas April 12, 2022 - Tuesday Visitation 3:00 to 8:00 Wake 6:30 pm Live Stream available for NC family and friends, Tuesday, April 12, 2022, 6:30pm to 8:00pm **moralesfuneralhome.com, Obituary tab, Joseph Ortega, Media link, External Web Cam Video, will be at the bottom of the page. April 13, 2022 - Wednesday Visitation 9:00 to 10:00 Funeral Service 10:00 am Internment, starting at 11:30 am, at Morales Cemetery 14605 Luthe Rd. in Houston, Texas Individuals at increased risk, sick or not feeling well should not attend the service. Please visit for COVID-19 updates and regulations. All services are under the care of Morales Funeral Home. For any questions or concerns regarding the services for Joseph Ortega, please contact Morales Funeral Home at (713) 223-1167.