Jose Corbin Ortega died on Aug. 20 in New York City. He was 51 years old.
He lived on St. Thomas for 16 years and worked on various projects including the restoration of Emancipation Park and the Humane Society of St. Thomas’ Humane Care Campus. He was a partner in the architectural firm Paradigm Design. His education included a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin, Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Science in Teaching from Fordham University.
He is survived by his best friend and partner, Joseph S. Aubain; parents: Jose and Laetitia Ortega; brother, Frank Ortega; sister, Lee Ortega; brother-in-law, Julien Foure; niece, Sophia Ortega; goddaughter, Louisa Fredey; godson, Andy Friebus; the Aubain, Bryan and LaPlace families; and countless friends.
A remembrance of life will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Humane Care Campus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of St. Thomas, P.O. Box 8150, St. Thomas, VI 00801 for the rescue and care of small dogs.