Douglas Erdy (1966-2025)
HAR extends condolences to family, friends and colleagues of longtime real estate professional Douglas Erdy, 59, who died on September 29, 2025.
Born on December 30, 1966, in Cleveland, Ohio, Doug built a life defined by hard work, dedication, and a deep love for his family and community. After graduating, Doug began his professional career as a Special Operations Officer for the City of Victoria, where he demonstrated the strong leadership and commitment to service that would define his life.
He later joined Continental Airlines, serving as a Regional Manager and Hub Manager in New York, Cleveland, and Houston, where he oversaw operations as well as food and beverage quality and service. During this time, Doug forged many lifelong friendships and further developed the skills that would propel his success in business.
Doug transitioned into real estate and quickly distinguished himself as one of North Houston’s top agents. Following a successful decade-long career with national brokerages, he founded The Doug Erdy Group, a company built on his expertise, vision, and unwavering commitment to exceptional client service. Under his leadership, The Doug Erdy Group became one of Houston’s most recognized brokerages. The firm grew organically to more than 120 agents and has consistently been the #1 selling and listing team in Northeast Houston since 2013.
As both Realtor® and Broker/Owner, Doug remained deeply engaged in the industry and his community. He was a proud member and sponsor of many organizations, including the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) and the Women’s Council of Realtors, where he built lasting relationships and supported the growth of others in the profession he loved.
Doug shared 31 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Beth, celebrating their anniversary on September 17. Together, they raised two sons, Matthew and Nick, who were the joy and pride of his life. Doug also welcomed their longtime partners, Lauren Langley (Matthew) and Sinead Honeyborne (Nick), into the family with open arms, loving them as daughters.
Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Dorothy Erdy, whose love and support shaped the foundation of the man he became.
You may read his full obituary HERE.
Richard Ortiz (1961-2025)
HAR extends condolences to family, friends and colleagues of longtime HAR member and instructor Richard Ortiz, who died on October 4, 2025.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Richard spent his early years in Manhattan before settling in Katy, Texas, in 2005.
A proud graduate of Murray Bergtraum High School in New York and DeVry University in Chicago, where he earned a degree in Science of Technical Management, Richard’s lifelong passion for learning shaped both his career and his relationships. He was known for his love of technology—always tinkering with DIY projects, fixing gadgets, and exploring new ideas in quantum physics and space.
Richard married his love Denise, on September 27, 1996, in White Plains, New York. Together they built a life full of laughter, music, and adventure. Richard’s pride and joy was their daughter, Camerin, who he spoke about with boundless admiration and love—she was, as he often said, “the apple of his eye.”
Richard was a compassionate and generous soul—wise, intuitive, and deeply empathetic. As a training instructor for HAR, he was dedicated to teaching others not just skills, but self-awareness and safety, especially for his fellow REALTORS® in the field. He approached each day striving to be the best version of himself, inspiring those around him to do the same.
Richard is survived by his wife Denise, daughter Camerin, sister Haydee Bulos, nieces Erica and Emily, and nephews Peter and Rolando as well as aunts, uncles and cousins and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Juan Ramon and Josefina, his sister Margie, and his brother Juan Ramon.
A celebration of life was held on October 25, 2025, at Schmidt Funeral Home in Katy. You may read his full obituary HERE.
Member obituaries and visitation/funeral arrangements for posting on HAR’s Members Only Portal and in the Houston REALTOR® may be sent to Brittany Aucion at brittany.aucion@har.com.
