Neftali "Tali" Ortiz, 82 years of age, of Immokalee, Florida was called home on October 27, 2024. Tali was born on August 31, 1942, in Coamo, Puerto Rico, to Reinaldo and Adela Ortiz.

Tali grew up in Coamo with a lifelong dream of coming to the states to play baseball. When asked to play for a minor league, Neftali declined the offer and never looked back. Little did he know that destiny had other plans for his life. Tali met the love of his life, Maria de la Luz "Lucy" in Ludington, MI, and married soon after. Tali lived a full life alongside his beloved wife, Lucy.  He was mesmerized with tending his 'finca' and planted many trees of mangoes, avocados, guanábana , corazón, etc.
Together they resided in Immokalee, where Tali worked in a citrus grove for 25 years. Side by side for 60 years, Tali and Lucy journeyed through great travels and adventures. He wanted to travel to the Wild West because he remembered the western stories that he read as a youth in Puerto Rico. He was a proud father of his daughter Carmen Ortiz, and son, Neftali Ortiz Jr. (Alicia). Tali cherished his six grandchildren; Tabitha Navarro (Benny), Jr Ramirez (Jessica), Nef Isaac, Jonas, Xavius and Eliana; seven great grandchildren; Chelsie, AJ, Lyriah (Ashtin), Carmelo, Frank III, Nito, Dallas Rose, and three great great grandchildren; Neveah, Aria and Ella.

Tali was often found tending to his plants and trees, watching sports and reading the newspaper. For years he had longed to see the west coast mountain terrains and his final bucket list item was checked off just a few weeks ago. Tali passed peacefully in his home of 43yrs.

Tuesday November 5, 2024, a viewing will be held at Brister Funeral Chapel from 6-8 pm
221 N 3rd St, Immokalee, FL 34142

Wednesday November 6, 2024, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am
Our lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
207 S 9th St, Immokalee, FL 34142

Burial to follow at lake Trafford Memorial Gardens.