Albert "Bro" Ortego, Jr., passed away peacefully in the company of his loved ones on October 4, 2026. Born in Grand Prairie, he returned to his place of birth after successful careers in business and academics.

He graduated from SLI, now UL-Lafayette, and achieved a master's degree from LSU. With his wife, Sis at his side he taught at Virgina Tech and received a doctorate from the University of California-Berkeley. He was an integral part of the development and later leadership of a dairy co-operative, Dairymen, Inc in Louisville, KY. In 1991, he returned to Louisiana to serve as Department Chair of the Agricultural Extension Service at LSU.

Albert is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Marguerite "Sis" (Sudduth), son John "Dirk" Ortego and daughter Michelle Ortego Magnes (Ryan) and 5 grandchildren, Dean, Vivian, Vance, Grayson, and Layne, as well as his youngest sister, Vera Prudhomme. He was preceded in death by 13 of his brothers and sisters and granddaughter, Reese Monroe Magnes.

Albert was a devout Catholic and a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Washington. A lifelong sports fan, especially LSU and alma maters UL-Lafayette, and UC-Berkely and Virgina Tech. While in better health, he enjoyed time gardening, working cattle on the family farm and activities in support of Rotary International. Through the years, he received many awards including Outstanding Alumnus from both LSU and USL and Rotarian of the Year.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Father Matthew Higginbotham will officiate the service.

 A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm. The funeral home will re-open for visitation on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 8:00 am until 10:30am. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

The immediate family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the incredible community of family, friends, and dedicated caregivers who have provided and continue to provide support, gentle care, and generous love.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate or the Town of Washington Cemetery Foundation, P.O. Box 42, Washington, LA 70589.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570 (337-942-2638) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.