Louis H. Ortt

Louis “Lou” Henly Ortt of Venice, Florida passed away on August 14, 2024 at the age of 86. He was born on February 8, 1938 in Baltimore, MD and resided there until 1965 and then moved to Severna Park, MD from 1965 until 1992. Louis graduated from the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and University of Baltimore. 

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served during the Cold War Era. After Lou left the Air Force he worked for the National Security Agency as an Analyst for 31 years, retiring in 1991. Lou was an active member of many Masonic organizations including the Venice Lodge # 301, Englewood Lodge # 346, York Rite, Scottish Rite, 33 rd Degree Mason, York Cross of Honor, Past Potentate of Sahib Shrine, Senior DeMolay, Chevalier and Rainbow Dad. He was also a member of the American Legion Post # 159 and Elks Lodge both in Venice and active member at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Venice where he served both as an Acolyte and Lay Reader. 

Lou is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elaine M. Ortt; two daughters, Stephanie (Ken) Waszkiewicz, Cecelia Mezza; three grandchildren, Alex, Patricia and Richard Mezza; two sisters, Virginia Maat, Margaret (Mark) Hurley; a sister-in-law, Carole Ortt; niece, Jennie Ortt and two nephews, Richard Ortt and Price Marr. Lou was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia (New) and Louis Ortt, two brothers, Richard A. Ortt and Robert L. Ortt, a brother-in-law, Neil Maat and his niece, Tina Ortt.  

A memorial service will be held at 10:00AM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Thursday, August 29, 2024 in Venice with a graveside service to follow at Sarasota National Cemetery at 1:00PM. To view the services online please visit                                      https:// vimeo.com/event/4536821. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Special Olympics in honor of his beloved Aunt Dorothy New, www.support.specialolympics.org.