John Christopher Ortega Obituary (1973-2026): Las Vegas, NM Funeral Services

Remembering John Christopher Ortega

John Christopher Ortega, a musician, devoted father, and familiar presence in both Las Vegas and Albuquerque, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 19, 2026, in Albuquerque, where he had made his home for several years. Rogers Mortuary reported the passing of the New Mexico native, who was a musician and had a large extended family.

Born on March 23, 1973, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, to parents Juan and Anabella Ortega, he was known to family as “John Christy” or simply “Christy,” and to friends as “John.” Those close to him remembered a person whose humor, smile, and mischievous energy filled a room. Beyond his everyday life, he maintained a deep devotion to his Catholic faith, attending Sunday mass at the Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Albuquerque, where he frequently joined in prayer and song with the 11:30 a.m. choir. He also prayed the Divine Chaplet and the Rosary on a daily basis.

A Life Lined with Bass Lines and Metal Music

Music formed a central pillar of John Christy’s life. He spent years playing bass guitar and drums across various bands, embracing the touring lifestyle of the metal music scene. He shared a particular creative bond with his father, contributing bass and drum tracks to his father’s recorded songs and albums. On various occasions, he shared the stage live with his father and his sister, Brenda Ortega.

John Christopher Ortega Obituary (1973-2026): Las Vegas, NM Funeral Services — Photo: legacy.com

Away from instruments and amplifiers, his interests ran toward reading, drawing, working out, and watching suspenseful and scary movies. He maintained close bonds with his family, including a friendship with Lawrence “Larz” Garduño, whom he considered a brother.

John Christy Is Survived by Parents, Children and Sisters

John Christy was preceded in death by his brother, Aaron Jay Ortega, who passed away in 2009, as well as his paternal and maternal grandparents. He is survived by his parents, Juan and Anabella; his children, Desiree Ortega (Lorenzo Sanchez), Gavriella Ortega, and Christopher Ortega; and his sisters, Brenda Ortega, Sandra Ortega, and Renee Rubalcaba. He is also survived by Goddaughter Daniela Montoya and Godsons Pablo Aguilar, Luke Garduño, and Caleb Rubalcaba. He was also anticipating the arrival of his first grandchild, Zavien John Aaron Sanchez, expected in early December to Desiree and Lorenzo.

Services are scheduled in November. A Rosary led by Carla O’Neill will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The Funeral Mass will follow on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the same church, celebrated by Father Rob Yaksich. Readings will be delivered by his sisters Sandra Ortega and Renee Rubalcaba, with music provided by Rudy Castellano, alongside a special musical tribute from Juan and Brenda Ortega. Godchildren Luke Garduño and Daniela Montoya will serve as gift bearers.

Following the mass, a funeral procession will travel to the San Antonio cemetery on North 8th Street Extension, where he will be laid to rest beside his late brother, Aaron Jay Ortega. Pallbearers include his son Christopher Ortega, Christian and Caleb Rubalcaba, Jerome Garcia, Lawrence “Larz” Garduño, and Diego Ortiz. Honorary pallbearers are Godson Luke Garduño, Ignacio Martinez, Diego Rains, nephew Martin Minner (in absentia), and all of his current and former bandmates.

Arrangements are handled by Rogers Mortuary, located at 600 Reynolds Ave in Las Vegas, NM.