Celestino Ortega III

Celestino Ortega, III, 63, of Rio Hondo, Texas passed away on November 11, 2025. Celestino was a devoted husband, loving father, caring grandfather, and a loyal friend. Born to Eresvita Ortega and the late Celestino Ortega, Jr., Celestino carried the values of family, hard work, and kindness throughout his life. Celestino’s warmth, generosity, and sense of humor touched everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those he loved. A man of creativity and passion, Celestino loved riding his Harley, feeling the freedom of the open road, and was a talented automotive painter, transforming each car into a work of art. He also had a love for playing the drums, filling every gathering with music and joy. He played at parties, Quinceaneras and weddings. Later, he dedicated his life to his Lord and Savior and played on the Praise and Worship Team for 13 years at Spirit of Praise Church in Harlingen. He is survived by his beloved wife whom he shared his life with for 42 years, Maria E. Ortega, and they built a home filled with love, laughter, and strength. He was a proud father to Yvette Marie Ortega (Manuel Ruiz) of Austin, Yvonne Ortega (Peter Molina) of Rio Hondo, and Celestino Ortega IV (Priscilla De Leon) of Rio Hondo. Celestino is also survived by his loving mother, Eresvita H. Ortega of Rio Hondo. He is also survived by his ten beautiful grandchildren: Averie, Serenity, Aiden, Jace, Ebony, Ethan, Evan, Violeta, Riley, and Emily. He is also survived by four siblings, Efrain Ortega of Lozano, Esmeralda Reyes of Rio Hondo, Consuelo Esquivel (Robert) of Harlingen, and Oralia Gutierrez (Juan) of Rio Hondo. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his father, Celestino Ortega, Jr. and one brother-in-law, David Reyes. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 1:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a celebration of life at 6:00 PM at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace in Harlingen, Texas. All services will conclude Saturday evening. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen, Texas.

Celestino Ortega III

February 12, 1962 - November 11, 2025

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