Obituary of Joseph Paul Ornelaz

Early morning on May 5th, we lost our Dad, who had turned 96 back in March, of this year.  While we are deeply saddened, by his passing, we also feel blessed to have had him for such a long time!  He lived a long & wonderful life & the vast majority of all of his years, were very healthy.

Joe was born in Wasco, CA to Ruperto Ornelaz & Juanita [Casas]Ornelaz.  He had six brothers:  Pete, Frank, Manuel, Ben, Victor & John, as well as two sisters:  Mary & Lupe.

He graduated from Cal State LA with a degree in physical education.

He began his working career at a shipping company in Los Angeles, called Grace Line, where he ended up meeting the love of his life, Margaret Jean Brown!  They married on November 27, 1955 & a few years later in 1959, moved & settled in Thousand Oaks, CA.

By then, Joe had moved on from Grace Line & had become a PE teacher, within the Los Angeles City School District, at Columbus Jr. High in Canoga Park, CA.  He retired, from there, some thirty plus years later.

Jean & Joe were married nearly 67 years!  Joe was the father of four children:  Robert Ornelaz [wife Sue], Steve Ornelaz, Anne Marie Interrante [husband Richard] & Christina Samii. He was a grandfather of eight:  Elizabeth, Christine, Brenda, Vicki, Marisa, Ryan, Bella & Gabby.  He was also a great grandfather to Emma & Ethan.

Joe lived a great life & his love of life, all anchored & centered around his family, friends & his faith.

Services for Joe, will be privately held for family & extended family.