David L. Ortiz
1954-2026
David L. Ortiz, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, devoted educator, and loyal friend to many, passed away on March 31, 2026, after a lengthy illness.
He is preceded in death by his parents Jess and Ofelia Ortiz; mother-in-law Jane Rian; sister-in-law Lynne Rian Noroian and her husband Steven Noroian; and his beloved dog, Curtis.
David is survived by his wife of 48 years, Leslie; son Michael Ortiz and daughter-in-law Megan, and their children Sofia and Lola; son Daniel Ortiz and daughter-in-law Erika; sister Barbra Ortiz; sister Susan Ortiz Wickler, her husband Robert Wickler, and their son Andrew Wickler; sister-in-law Laura Rian McCarroll, her husband Lynn McCarroll, and their children Rian Salvatierra (Chris) and Kevin McCarroll (Michelle); nieces Debbie Noroian Mitchell and Jennifer Noroian Chapman (Damian); numerous great nieces and great nephews; and in-laws Jeremy Fogel and Kathleen Wilcox.
A native Santa Barbaran, David attended local schools, including McKinley Elementary School, La Cumbre Junior High School and Santa Barbara High School, where he was a proud member of the SBHS Dons Varsity Basketball team before graduating in 1972. After attending Santa Barbara City College and San Diego State University, where he completed his bachelor’s degree and teaching credential, David returned to Santa Barbara to marry his fellow SBHS classmate and best friend, Leslie Rian. David also completed a master’s degree and two administrative credentials at UC Santa Barbara.
David began his career as a seventh- and eighth-grade teacher at La Colina Junior High, followed by a transformative ten-year teaching assignment at Los Robles High School, the educational program serving juveniles at Los Prietos Boys Camp. In 1990, he returned to La Colina as assistant principal and was later promoted to become the school’s third principal. His loyalty to the school, its students, and its staff was unparalleled. In the history of La Colina Junior High School, there have been only four principals—an extraordinary distinction. At a time when professional advancement often leads educators from one position to another, David remained steadfast in his commitment to La Colina, serving as principal for 22 years before retiring in 2019.
A leader who regarded his faculty and staff as an extended family, David’s devotion to his role as Principal was rooted in a deep love for his school and his students. Embracing his responsibilities far beyond the confines of the school campus, he was a constant, cheering presence at athletic contests, theater productions, and community events—always championing “his kids” with an unparalleled sense of pride.
This commitment to his students remained unwavering long after their years at La Colina; David followed their accomplishments through high school and college with immense pride, often maintaining special relationships that endured until his passing. Throughout a long and distinguished career, he touched the lives and helped shape the futures of thousands of students within the Santa Barbara community.
David loved his trips to visit family, including to Washington, DC to see his granddaughters, who fondly called him “Poppie” and who he called his “Mijitas.” Despite living on opposite coasts, “Poppie” was a frequent and beloved presence at his granddaughters’ sporting events, performances, and school activities, and was well-known to all of their friends.
David was a lifelong sports enthusiast who developed his love of athletics at an early age, participating in a wide range of sports as a youth. During his college years, he worked with young people through the Santa Barbara Recreation Department, further reflecting his commitment to youth and community. Over time, he developed a special passion for golf, while remaining a devoted fan of his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers. His enduring love of sports was matched by his continued support of youth athletics throughout his life.
The Ortiz Family would like to thank Dr. Mukul Gupta, Dr. Bindu Kamal, Dr. Stanley McLain, Dr. Farida Bounoua, Dr. Sujata Dahal, and the staff at the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for their incredible compassion and expertise over the years.
A Celebration of Life will take place on April 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Old Mission Santa Barbara.
Donations in David’s memory can be made to the Santa Barbara High School Alumni Association, Class of 1972 Scholarship Fund, P.O Box 6121, Santa Barbara, CA 93160; online at www.sbdonsalumni.com/ or to The Downtown Club (Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara), 632 E. Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, Attn: Mark Alvarado, Executive Director; online at www.boysandgirlssb.org.
