Antonio Marcos Ortiz

April 6, 1954 - November 5, 2022

Antonio Marcos Ortiz, passed away unexpectedly on November 5, 2022. Our hearts are broken to lose our beloved husband, father, and friend to so many.

Marcos was born on April 6, 1954, in Lovell Wyoming. He was the youngest of 11 children born to immigrant parents who built a beautiful family and home filled with love.

His broadcasting career began when he was only a teenager as a sports announcer in the 1980s in Blythe, California. Marcos’ dream was to work in television, and he worked his way back to Wyoming where he got his first break as a TV news journalist. His career spanned decades, working in Cheyenne, Albuquerque, then Salt Lake City where he spent the past 18 years at KTVX television, working as a courts and crime reporter. He was a staunch champion of the underserved and the voiceless and worked tirelessly to find answers to complex criminal cases. He never shied away from the truth and advocated for victims of crime in the community

through his talents as a reporter and storyteller.
It was during his time working as a reporter in Wyoming where

a young woman named Sandy Olney caught his eye. They dated briefly before Sandy relocated to Albuquerque for a job in TV. Not one to let a good thing slip away, Marcos soon found a job at the same TV station. He and Sandy reconnected and eventually married in Santa Fe, New Mexico on October 15, 1988.

While many knew Marcos because of his remarkable career, it was loving and caring for his family that was his true passion. During their 34 years of marriage, Marcos and Sandy were always devoted to each other, and never went to bed without saying “I love you.” They did everything together and especially loved sports. Marcos was a lifelong Yankees baseball fan and he and Sandy never missed an opportunity to see a major league game when they traveled.

In 1995, he and Sandy were overjoyed to welcome their daughter Olivia into the world. He was a doting father who was deeply involved in Olivia’s life. Marcos was actively involved in Olivia’s schooling and often served as her coach on the numerous sports teams she played on. He was proud to watch her grow into a remarkable young woman. Her graduation from law school was an incredible source of pride for Marcos.

He was the solid foundation on which his family was built, and he provided a safe and loving home. Marcos was a talented gardener and created a sanctuary in the back yard of his home, a beautiful and peaceful retreat for his family. He was handy and worked on many home projects over the years, including outdoor light displays during the Christmas season that were admired by everyone who saw them. He loved politics, was an avid reader, and he doted on the family pet Franklin. Marcos was devoted to his Catholic faith, serving as a lector and minister. His faith never faltered, and it guided him throughout his life and career.

Marcos is preceded in death by his parents Severiana Contreras and Concepcion Ortiz, along with siblings Margarita Espinoza, Julie Alvarez, Lucie Escalante, Socorro Sarah Ortiz, and Rufina Montanez.

He is survived by his wife Sandra, daughter Olivia, siblings Inez (Milton) Ontiveroz, Guadalupe Hernandez, Mary (John) Alvarez, Kahn Ortiz, and Cathy Ortiz.

Friends are invited to visit with his family on Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 7:00 until 9:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the parking on the north side of our home. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 11, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Church, 300 East 11800 South, Draper. 

Donations in Marcos’ honor may be made to the Catholic Community Services of Utah.