Raymond Joseph Portelance, 73, of Canterbury Road, Mystic, CT, passed away on Tuesday.
Born in Norwich, CT, he graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1948 and subsequently enlisted in the Navy. His four years of service included a tour of duty in Guam. Upon his return to this area, he was fortunate to meet and fall in love with his wife of over 50 years, Theresa Claire Marien.
He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a B.S. in education in 1956 and fully enjoyed a career of 34 years teaching at Robert E. Fitch Senior High in Groton, CT. He taught business courses and coached baseball, boys’ and girls’ basketball, girls’ cross-country and boys’ golf. He retired in 1990. A passionate and dedicated teacher, coach, mentor and friend, he was inducted into the Groton Educators’ Hall of Fame in 2001. Integrity, humor and an enormous heart are the hallmarks of his personal and professional character.
Although he endured arthritic pain throughout most of his life, he lived each and every day to its fullest. Whether jumping off quarry cliffs in East Lyme, running four marathons, traveling throughout the US and Ireland or practicing his daily devotional to A Good Walk Spoiled, he infused his life and those of his family and innumerable friends with passion and love.
Raymond Portelance will live forever in the hearts of his beloved wife, Theresa; his and Terry’s four children and their spouses, Michael and Marsha Portelance, JoAnn Portelance, Sharon Portelance and Dave Jacobson, and John Portelance and Lisa Horan; his and Terry’s six grandchildren, Sean, Jenna, Kelly, Michelle, Liam and Maeve; and his sister, Joan Reese, living in Florida, and his brother, Thomas Portelance, of Griswold, CT.
Ray's family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral home, 17 Pearl Street, historic downtown Mystic on Thursday from 5-8pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Pt. Rd, Groton on Friday at 11am. Burial will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery.
Ray requested that all those who enjoy fond memories of him share a drink and their favorite joke at the reception following the burial at the Par Four in Groton, CT. He further wished that donations in his memory be made to Hospice of S.E.C.T, PO Box 902, Uncasville, CT 06382