GROTON — Richard Jose Ortiz, Sr., 64, of West Shore Drive, Lake Groton, Vt., died Monday, Oct. 3, 2011, as a result of an automobile accident on Route 232 in Groton. He was born in Montpelier on Feb. 5, 1947 , the son of Angel J. (Chappy) and Portia Hope (Downing) Ortiz. He attended Montpelier schools, and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1965. On July 6, 1968 , he married Melanie Rousse at St. Monica's Catholic Church in Barre. Rick worked as a memorial draftsman for over 40 years at different granite companies in the Barre and Montpelier area. He was also the manager at the Barre Elks Lodge for several years. He served as Exalted Ruler and also was a past District Deputy for the State Lodge of Elks. Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, horseshoes and spending his time with his grandchildren at his camp on Lake Groton . He turned his camp into a year-round home and lived there for the past 12 years. The most memorable times in his life were spent at Lake Groton with his parents, Chappy and Portia, family, friends, deer camp buddies, and summer residents. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Post # 10, and was treasurer for the Men's Auxiliary of VFW # 790. Rick is survived by his wife, Melanie of Groton; two daughters, Christy-Ann Hope Berard and her husband, Christian and their children, Colby, Portia and Brayden of East Barre, Vt.; and Kimberly Hope Tedeschi and her husband, Steven and their children, Justin and Brenden of Orange, Vt.; and a son, Richard J. Ortiz II of East Barre, Vt. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Johnston and her husband, James of Greensboro, Vt.; two nieces, Darcie Johnston and Stacey Nelson and her husband, David Nelson and their children, Elliott and Sam of Montpelier; sister-in-law, Jo-Anne Roberts and her husband Raymond of Tennessee, and her children Dawna, Dawn, Cathy and Kelly; brother-in-law, Albert (Buddy) Rousse and his wife Jan of Rutland, and their daughter Jennifer. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, 2011 , at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. , Saturday, Oct. 8, at St. Augustine 's Catholic Church in Montpelier . Memorial contributions may be made to MacKenzie-Webster V.F.W. # 790, PO Box 185, East Barre, VT 05649, or to Silver Towers, c/o Barre Lodge of Elks # 1535, PO Box 245, Barre, VT 05641. Those wishing to send on-line condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com and go to Rick's obituary.