Michael Thomas Ortelle, Sr., 4/14/1960 - 1/2/2017

Marin Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 1775, regrets to inform our membership and families of the passing of Brother Michael Thomas Ortelle, Sr. (Mill Valley Fire Department, Alto Richardson bay Fire Protection District, Southern Marin Fire Protection District).  Mike continued to represent and serve his brothers and sisters in the fire servcie after his retirement as he battled ALS, becoming a spokesperson for MDA, the IAFF's primary charitable cause, and helping thousands struggling with ALS and Muscular Dystrophy.

Born April 14, 1960, the son of the late John and Evelyn Ortelle, Mike passed peacefully, January 2, 2017 surrounded by his wife and children.  Michael served his community at Wilmar Volunteer Fire, Mill Valley Fire, Alto Richardson Bay, and Southern Marin Fire Districts for over 25 years and continued that service in retirement as a Police Chaplain for the Petaluma Police Department, serving with his brothers in blue up until his very last days.  Mike also served his church family at Calvary Chapel Petaluma for many years.  Mike’s greatest joys were his family and friends.

He is survived by 3 brothers and 3 sisters, his beautiful wife, Elizabeth, and their children, Danielle Keen (Michael), Angela Jarrett (Joshua), Michael, Jr. (Tanya), Julia Myers (David), Maria Ege (Timothy), Melissa, and Hannah. He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Matthew Thomas. Proud Papa to Simon, Addison, Austyn, Timothy, Michael, Abraham, Matthew, Elise, John, Stella, Jude, Bennett, Mario, Nathan, Ami, Kylie, and Neveah. Not to be forgotten was his love for chosen daughter Katie McDowell (Ryan) and children, Elizabeth, Matthew, Benjamin, and Jack.

Services will take place Saturday, January 7 at 11 a.m., Calvary Chapel Petaluma, 1955 S. McDowell Blvd.  Donations may be made to Calvary Chapel Petaluma to fund a scholarship memorial in Mike’s name.

Services:

Saturday, January 07, 2017
2:00 PM

 Location

Calvary Chapel Petaluma 
1955 S. McDowell Blvd. 
Petaluma, CA 94954