Frank Jason Ortega,49, of Albuquerque, New Mexico came into this world during summer solstice the longest, brightest day of the year which was appropriate as he brought warmth and light to all who knew him. His gorgeous smile, kind eyes and easy laugh were irresistible! He left this world unexpectedly on Sunday, December 21, 2025, the darkest, shortest day of the year leaving the world a colder place.

He was preceded in death by his brother James Chavez and niece Renee Sedillo.

Frank is survived by his children: Kylie Ortega, Nicholas Ortega, parents Belen and Francisco Ortega, sisters: Francine Sedillo (Michael), Rosalie Hipple (Brian), nephews and nieces: Gabriel Sedillo, Rachel Hipple, and Melissa Hipple.

He was born in Albuquerque on June 20, 1976 to Belen and Francisco Ortega who shared with him an enduring and faithful love. One of the greatest joys of his life was munching his mom’s delicious meals. He enthusiastically devoured plate after plate and annoyingly never gained an extra ounce. He was an avid outdoorsman most comfortable in nature. One of his favorite experiences was as a wildland firefighter where he would spend days in pristine mountains where humans were few and far between. He cherished the sounds of the wind rustling leaves in the trees and the trickling of water in a stream was his sweetest lullaby. He always returned tired, dirty and rather pungent but joyful in the knowledge that he worked hard to protect what he loved most.

He was a genuine person and valued authenticity. He appreciated simple things and had eyes that noticed what others missed whether it be a strangely shaped cloud, starlight or the song of a bird. He was fascinated by the world around him and loved books, documentaries and learning. He tried time and time again to teach his sisters about the workings of an internal combustion engine to little success. He wasn’t impressed with riches and status and approached all with equal worth. Because of this he had many friends with whom he would gladly give all he had.

He loved his family and would entertain with his unique comic stylings at family gatherings keeping everyone in stitches. He had a signature joke about a little boy playing engineer on a train that never failed to draw peels of laughter. When he was happy, his joy was infectious and the world was filled with light. When he was walking on the dark side the world was dark and cold for those who loved him. He wasn’t a saint. He battled demons and often lost.

He wouldn’t want to be remembered as anything more or less that he was. He was an imperfect person who often disappointed himself more than those around him. But he was deeply loved and loved deeply. He expressed that love generously in words and actions. If he loved you, you knew it. It was evident. The loves of his life were his children Nicholas and Kylie whom he spoke of with enthusiasm and pride. He and Kylie shared a love of eating and were snack buddies trying new foods with gusto. Nick shares his infectious smile, kindness and easygoing nature.

Whether you knew him as Jason or as Frank, remember him with kindness.

Frank's Life Celebration will begin with a Service on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:00am at Salazar Mortuary located at 400 Third St. SW, 87102. Reception will follow inside Salazar Mortuary Event Center.

We ask that you hold his family in prayer and seek the good in others as he did.