Joseph Henry Ortlieb, 84

May 14, 2016

Joseph Henry Ortlieb was born on February 15, 1932 at the family homestead at the top of Cabbage Hill where he lived most of his life and passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 14, 2016 of natural causes. He was the son of the late Frank M. and Edna H. (Reese) Ortlieb.
In keeping the traditions of his Pennsylvania Dutch ancestors, Joe was a skilled tradesman and a fixer of everything. He was passionate about landscaping and worked as a plumber, a roofer and a painter. He also ran a Christmas tree lot for many years.
Mostly, Joe loved fishing and hunting and his cars and boats. He had a lovely bungalow in Pequea, and a trailer in Indian River, Delaware. Joe also adored his gardens of flowers and vegetables, where you would surely find him enjoying the sunshine and a conversation with all his neighbors. He collected friends from all walks of life, and shared all that he had.
The Ortlieb Family would like to thank all the wonderful friends, and neighbors, nurses and doctors that gave their time and good deeds so lovingly to make Joe’s last years happy, safe and comfortable.
Joe is survived by his beloved sisters, Mildred Marie Ney of Columbia, PA, Patricia Ann Sigman of New Providence, PA, his only child, Margaret Helen Darlington of Riverside, CA, granddaughter, Paige Taylor Darlington of Warwick, NY, granddaughter, Jordan Mears Novak and her husband, Tony Novak of Warwick, NY, grandson, Maxwell Griffins Mears of Burlingame, CA and 3 great-grandchildren, Mason, Juliet and Adam Novak of Warwick, NY and a host of loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great- great nieces and nephews. Joe is also survived by loving and devoted caregivers; nephew, David Ney and wife, Denise and was graced by the faithful companionship of his dog, Ginger whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his two brothers-in-law, L. Ronald Ney and Jay Sigman.
A Visitation will be from 9:30-11AM on Saturday, June 4, 2016 followed by a Prayer Service at 11AM at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 414 E. King St, Lancaster, PA 17602. Interment in St. Joseph’s New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe’s memory may be made to the Humane League of Lancaster County, 2195 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602 or the Lancaster County SPCA, 848 S. Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603.