Terry Portal

Terry Portal, beloved grandfather of Madeline, Patrick, and Matthew Luby, and father of Pamela (Dan). In the later years of his life, Terry reconnected with his former wife, Ellen Portal, with whom he shared a renewed companionship. Loving son of the late Theodore and Marie Portal and brother of the late Timothy Portal, and fond uncle. 
 
Terry loved to share stories from his years as a teacher and paper plant manager. Injecting each tale with healthy self-deprecation, he would humbly cast himself as the fool with a lesson to learn. He especially enjoyed swapping classroom stories with his granddaughter, Madeline, also a schoolteacher. Terry maintained his curiosity and enthusiasm for life into his old age, spurring him to seek out new experiences for himself and his loved ones. Fond memories were made attending a Santana concert with Madeline and Ellen, cowboy action shooting with Patrick, and teaching Matt the art of archery, as well as an appreciation of Denzel Washington action movies.
 
He had a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life: classic rock, stock cars, flannels, model trains, and a piping-hot plate of barbecue. Each summer, he looked forward to celebrating his birthday with fresh hot dogs from the butcher and his daughter’s tres leches cake.
 
Chivalrous and even-tempered, he believed it was never too late to right a wrong. Proud of his family and their passions, he attended his grandchildren's choir concerts, art shows, soccer games, and LZ football and wrestling matches, cheering his grandchildren on with pride and a camo coat. 
 
He will be deeply missed, but his lessons, laughter, and love will live on in his family and in all the lives he touched.

A Funeral Mass will be held on November 24, 2025,
St Francis de Sales
135 S Bueshing Rd, Lake Zurich
9:30 Visitation
10:30 Mass

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