Ortelio G. Olazabal, M.D.
October 2, 1927 - May 3, 2012

His flesh was cracked and weary from the journey but his soul was of youth, flung like an arrow at the sun. Welcome him and give him patience. He is greatly missed here, but Your grace shall embrace his soul. I love you Orte...and I know you know that." - Angelica Rodriguez, niece.
It can be said that the life of a man is measured not in wealth or possessions, but, in the strength of his compassion, integrity and love and how far those ebb in ripple like waves out in the vast sea of all who were honored to know him. There is a vast sea of tears flowing now, for anyone who was fortunate to know Ortelio, quickly was acquainted with his sharp wit, his kind eyes, his immense capacity for love and his infectious laughter. Orelio "Orte" Gerardo Olazabal Montejo was born in Camaguey Cuba in a modest loving home to an honest father and nurturing mother. He and his siblings, Ovidio, Oscar, Orlando and sister Olga enjoyed a carefree and spirited childhood. Ortelio was a bright inquisitive child who breezed through his schooling with ease, graduating from high school at 15. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Science and was awarded the Gaspar Cisneros Bentancourt Scholarship to study Medicine in Havana University in 1948 at the age of 17. He earned his Medical Degree from the Havana University School of Medicine in 1955. He was soon employed at the Clinica Ignacio Agramonte in Camaguey from 1955 through 1963 as a Primary Care Physician. He worked as a physician in different hospitals and clinics until 1972 when he left Cuba. Seeking a better life, free of an oppressive regime, he left his precious island, relocating to Mallorca Spain. Orte, immensely intelligent and educated, was not shy to do whatever he had to in order to make his way in life. In Spain he worked in a hotel as a dishwasher. Those intricate healing hands were not too proud to do whatever it took to survive. His boss was astounded to discover that his refined and hard working dishwasher was in fact a physician, so he soon promoted him to the hotel's front desk position. Orte quickly grew to love this new job as he met so many people of diverse cultures and countries and soon made friends from all over the world. On his off days in Mallorca, his days were spent sightseeing and enjoying the company of wonderful friends. He came to the United States to live with his brother Oscar, his Sister-in-Law and nieces in Greatneck, New York. However, for one accustomed to Island life and the beautiful climate of Mallorca Spain, it was difficult to acclimate to the frigid weather and blizzards of New York. Deciding that New York was not right for him, he then moved to sunny South Florida, surrounded by sandy beaches and salty oceans that reminded him of his beloved first home, Cuba. He quickly found work, as he was never too above doing whatever means would get him on track. He worked at a factory in Hialeah where he made seat covers for airplanes. His nights were spent endeavoring to learn English, pouring over each word studiously in Webster's Dictionary. His goal? To pass the ECFMG and the American Medical Boards to revalidate his license to practice Medicine. His fierce determination paid off and on January 23rd, 1974 he passed on his fist attempt. He then obtained his Florida State License on March 9th, 1977. Finally, he was able to do what he loved best---help people. He worked at American Hospital in Miami (now Kendall Regional) as a house physician from 1977 through 1979. From there he worked at CAC Clinic as an emergency physician from 1979-1997. He then became a primary care physician for CAC from 1981-2010. It was at work that he met his beloved wife Soraya in 1980; in her he found his soul mate and they married on June 26, 1982. On July 23, 1986 they welcomed Jonathan Anthony--- and he completed them; they were what he lived for and Orte loved him more than his own life.
He was truly the best Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Son-in-Law, Brother-in-Law, Tio, Padrino and friend anyone could ever ask for. He is and was exceptional. There has never been or will ever be such a kind, compassionate, gentleman such as Orte, how he was called by all that loved him so, and Papa by his son Johnny who will miss him dearly.
His love of diverse cultures lead him on many travels. He visited Spain several times, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico where he was fascinated by the Mayan ruins in Yucatan. He visited Venezuela several times, Puerto Plata D.R., Puerto Rico, Belize, and Panama. He also traveled within the US. He loved the mountains--- areas such as Maggie Valley NC. He found beauty in the tulips he saw on his visit to Dallas Texas. The amazing scenery in Niagara Falls Canada overwhelmed him. Next to practicing medicine, traveling the world with his cherished family made him so happy. He kept currency from his travels and enjoyed collecting the coins and paper money in albums. Orte loved listening to music---his ecletic tastes ran from Opera, Andrea Bocelli, foreign music, boleros and much more. On his downtime from work he could be found nestled in his favorite recliner watching the Sci-Fi Channel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones movies, James Bond films, Detective series and novellas---yep! Orte was hooked on Spanish Novellas! His other passion was cooking and his family was quite lucky if they visited when he had just prepared some of his delicious specialties such as picadillo, arroz con salchichas and corn bread. His corn bread was heavenly; it melted in your mouth. Whenever anyone made what they predicted was a perfect version of his corn bread specialty he'd say, "It's not bad, but mine is better." His words would then be followed by a great bellowing laugh. He laughed so brightly, as only one who truly enjoys life can. He also loved to garden and enjoyed spending long afternoons in his backyard with his family admiring the plants and flowers and beautiful Florida sunshine. On Thursday, May 3rd, 2012, Ortelio's life came full circle; his journey was full of accomplishments, wonderful travels and much love. The ripples of his memory will forever ebb and flow deep in the hearts of all those who were honored to know him.


The Prayer (duet With Andrea Bocelli) Lyrics

I pray you'll be our eyes, and watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way
Lead us to the place, guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe
La luce che tu hai
[I pray we'll find your light]
Nel cuore resterà
[And hold it in our hearts.]
A ricordarci che
[When stars go out each night,]
Eterna stella sei
Nella mia preghiera
[Let this be our prayer]
Quanta fede c'è
[When shadows fill our day]
Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Sogniamo un mondo senza più violenza
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno lo dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace, di fraternità
La forza che ci dà
[We ask that life be kind]
È il desiderio che
[And watch us from above]
Ognuno trovi amor
[We hope each soul will find]
Intorno e dentro sé
[Another soul to love]

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