Samuel Portera
d. December 12, 2016
Samuel Joseph Portera, Sr. (Sammy), beloved husband, father and grandfather, age 68, passed away peacefully from lung cancer in his home on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 11:11 p.m, wrapped in the arms of his loving wife, surrounded by his circle of adoring children and family.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana. Proceeded in death by his parents Vincent S. Portera and Dorothy Claire Hryniewich Portera. Grandparents were Sam J. Portera and Catherine Butera Portera.
Sam graduated in 1966 from Chalmette HIgh School then entered the Army, serving in Vietnam for fourteen months. He followed that with 2 years of college. Sam worked as a millwight at Kaiser Aluminum and followed that with a career at Shepard Sales and Service starting as an HVAC tech working his way up to Building Automations Manager. He continued his 30 year career with Trane Commercial/Ingersoll-Rand receiving numerous accolades and accomplishments until his retirement in May 2012.
He was predeceased by his first wife Dale Nuccio Portera Lossett and survived by his current wife of 29 years, Ronda W. Portera.
He is survived by his children Samuel Joseph Portera Jr. (Jen), Brittany Portera Schenck (Guy II), Shawn Michael Portera; brothers and sisters, Vincent (Trish), Kathy Schaeffer (Milton), Tony Portera (Gwenette), Tina Lloyd (Gary), and Jodi P. Bergeron; his beloved grandchildren Allison Portera, Phoebe Schenck and Maxson Schenck and many, many nieces and nephews. .He was predeceased by his youngest brother Michael Portera, Sr.
Sam loved cooking and grilling for his family and friends. He loved working with computers and helicopters and driving his precious Accura Tls, but mostly loved hanging out at home with his devoted pet and best friend, Cosmo.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2016 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Bagnell and Son Funeral Home, 75212 Lee Rd, Covington, LA 70435; with services being held Friday morning in the chapel at 9:00 AM. Interment following at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell at 11:00 AM; where he will be honored with a military salute.
We will be celebrating Sam's life at a family reception following at the home of Kathy and Milton Schaeffer in Robert, LA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Charity in his name.