Arelious Ortegas Ransom

In Loving Memory of Arelious “Tony” Ortegas Ransom

May 4, 1968 – July 16, 2026

We gather to celebrate the life of Arelious “Tony” Ortegas Ransom—a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, loyal brother, trusted friend, respected leader, and one of the kindest souls many of us will ever know.

Born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, Arelious carried the warmth, kindness, and hospitality of his hometown wherever life took him. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, where he earned the nickname “Tony,” the name by which many friends, coworkers, and fellow service members came to know him. During his service, he was stationed in San Diego, California, where his son, Anthony, was born. Becoming a father forever changed the course of his life. Choosing to remain in San Diego after his military service so he could be close to his son was one of the most meaningful decisions he ever made, and San Diego became the place he proudly called home for the rest of his life.

Over the years, San Diego became much more than where Arelious lived—it became where he built a family beyond family. He formed lifelong friendships that grew into an unbreakable brotherhood, surrounding himself with people who stood beside him through every season of life. Those friendships were among his greatest blessings and were a testament to the kind of man he was.

Arelious built a long and respected 28-year career with American Airlines, proudly serving as a Crew Chief. Aviation perfectly complemented his love of travel and his curiosity about the world. His coworkers knew him as a trusted leader, mentor, and the person everyone could rely on. His knowledge, humility, and willingness to help others earned him not only respect, but genuine admiration and lasting friendships. He wasn’t simply respected—he was beloved.

If there was one role Arelious treasured above all others, it was being a father. He spoke often—and to anyone who would listen—about his son, Anthony, and the man he had become. Watching Anthony grow into a devoted husband and father filled him with immeasurable pride, and he never missed an opportunity to share that pride with others. That same love overflowed onto his beloved grandchildren, Uriah and Eliana, who brought endless joy to his life. He frequently traveled to Las Vegas simply to spend time with them, creating memories that his family will cherish forever.

One of life’s greatest blessings came while visiting his brother, Alonza Alexander, in Okinawa, Japan, where he met the love of his life, Mayo. Married on May 3, 2025, their time together was far too short, yet it became one of the happiest chapters of Arelious’s life. Those who loved him saw a joy in him unlike ever before. He often said that being Mayo’s husband was one of his greatest accomplishments, and he embraced that role with unwavering love and devotion. Though wealth was never measured in dollars, Arelious spent his final chapter surrounded by the greatest riches life could offer—the love of his wife, his son, his grandchildren, and the family he cherished so deeply. By every measure that truly mattered, he was an incredibly rich man.

Music was another lifelong passion. As a member of his high school marching band in Lakeland, Arelious proudly played the trumpet, and that experience sparked a love of music that stayed with him throughout his life. He especially enjoyed following Drum Corps International, appreciating the precision, artistry, and excellence that the activity represented.

Arelious had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. Whether he was hosting one of his backyard barbecues, planning a trip, or simply sitting down for a conversation, he made everyone feel welcome. He possessed a gentle spirit, a compassionate heart, and a quiet wisdom that made people feel heard, understood, and valued. He never sought recognition for his kindness because helping others simply came naturally. Friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers alike knew they could always count on him for a listening ear, thoughtful advice, or a helping hand.

Arelious is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Mayo; his devoted son, Anthony, who was one of his proudest accomplishments and greatest joys; his cherished grandchildren, Uriah and Eliana, who brought endless happiness to his life; his loving brother, Alonza Alexander; along with many extended family members, dear friends, his Navy brothers and sisters, his American Airlines family, and countless others whose lives were made better simply because he was part of them.

A celebration of Arelious’s life will be held on Friday July 31, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with Military Honors at 2:30 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor a man whose life was defined by service, humility, generosity, unwavering love, and an extraordinary ability to bring people together.

Arelious measured life’s riches not by what a person possessed, but by the people they loved and the lives they touched. By that measure, he left this world an incredibly wealthy man.

His legacy lives on in every family gathered around a barbecue, every trip taken to create memories, every note of music that stirs the soul, every helping hand extended to someone in need, and in every person who chooses kindness because they were fortunate enough to know him.

Well done, good and faithful servant.