Ex-superintendent Ortego dies at 83

Former Evangeline Parish Superintendent Lawrence “Sidney” Ortego passed away Thursday, December 3, 2015 at his residence.
The 83-year-old man, whose name can be seen on many Evangeline Parish School graduates’ diplomas, spent 10 years serving the schools of this area in his role as superintendent. He was first hired to the position by the 1976 school board members in July of that year, and remained superintended until June of 1986.
Before becoming superintendent, Ortego’s career placed him in the classroom, where he became instrumental in influencing the lives of the children he taught. His career in education led to Ortego becoming a member of the Louisiana Teachers Association.
Along with his accomplishments as superintendent, Ortego was also a member of local organizations in his home community such as: the Knights of Columbus and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Visitation for Otego was held on Friday, December 4, 2015 from 4 to 9 p.m., with a rosary being recited at 6 p.m.
Ortego’s friends and family then gathered together on Saturday, December 5, 2015, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church to pay their final respects before the burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.