November 13, 2023
November 13, 2023
I say goodbye again on this day, Tay, but you are always in our hearts. Rest peacefully until the day we will all be together again.
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Fortunato Portugaleza, 92, born on May 14, 1922 and passed away on November 13, 2014. We will miss him forever.
Tributes
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May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023
Fortunato was a very decent and gracious human being. He and his family were very kind to me when I was a young volunteer teacher at MSU Marawi City.
November 13, 2022
November 13, 2022
With happy and grateful memories of much hospitality from the Portugaleza family 1969-1971. My wife, Mee-Yan, alas died of Covid-19 this summer. We had been married 40 years.
November 13, 2022
November 13, 2022
We say goodbye all over again. Rest in God’s eternal peace, Tay.
May 14, 2022
May 14, 2022
Happy Birthday in heaven, Tay ♥️
May 14, 2022
May 14, 2022
Today is one hundred years since you were born. Still grateful for you and your family's kindness 1969-1971.
November 15, 2021
November 15, 2021
Always grateful for the friendship love and support Forts and his family gave me many years ago at MSU Marawi City.
November 13, 2021
November 13, 2021
‘God’s finger touched him and he slept.’
-Alfred Lord Tennyson
On this day, our hearts broke and have remain shattered, only so we can keep you in each and every single fragment, and there is more of you with us. You are forever missed but forever loved, Tay. Rest eternally in God’s peace. ❤️
-Alfred Lord Tennyson
On this day, our hearts broke and have remain shattered, only so we can keep you in each and every single fragment, and there is more of you with us. You are forever missed but forever loved, Tay. Rest eternally in God’s peace. ❤️
May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021
I continue to remember with gratitude Forts and his family. My father (born 24 January 1921) and Forts were nearly the same age.
May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021
Happy 99th Birthday in heaven, Tay! Celebrate with the angels! We miss you and love you forever. ❤️❤️❤️
November 13, 2020
November 13, 2020
Always grateful for the kindness and hospitality Fort and Nita showed me when we were all at MSU so long ago.
Stuart Judge
Stuart Judge
November 12, 2020
November 12, 2020
Nothing can fill up the void you left behind in our hearts, and at this time of year for the past 6 years, we say goodbye all over again. The heartache never heals, but love leaves a memory no one can steal, not even death. We love and miss you very much, Tay. Rest forever in God’s peace. ❤️
May 14, 2020
May 14, 2020
Warm memories of and good wishes to the whole family.
May 13, 2020
May 13, 2020
Happy 98th Birthday in heaven, Tay! Celebrate with the angels as we celebrate you in our hearts! We love and miss you dearly!
November 13, 2019
November 13, 2019
I have very good memories of 'Uncle' Fort from working at MSU Marawi 1969-1971. I can recall him both in the Physics Department and in the house where he and 'Aunt' Nita made me so welcome.
November 12, 2019
November 12, 2019
Five years. We still have a void in our hearts. Every now and then, happy memories partially fill it. We miss you very much, Tay!
May 14, 2019
May 14, 2019
I still have warm memories of being invited over to the Portugaleza home on the MSU campus and being treated as a member of the family.
November 13, 2018
November 13, 2018
Grateful as always for the many kindnesses from Manong and Nanay.
Stuart Judge
(VSO Volunteer Instructor, MSU Marawi, 1969-1971)
Stuart Judge
(VSO Volunteer Instructor, MSU Marawi, 1969-1971)
November 13, 2018
November 13, 2018
It’s been four years. The void in our hearts remains but for the memories we hold dear.
May 17, 2018
May 17, 2018
Always grateful for the warm hospitality and much kindness Fortunato and Juanita gave me when I was a young instructor at MSU.
November 22, 2017
November 22, 2017
With warm memories of Forts and much love to Nanay
November 13, 2017
November 13, 2017
After three years, the sorrow remains.
May 15, 2017
May 15, 2017
Remembering Forts, and Nanoy, Diana and the rest of the family for their kindness and friendship from 1971.
May 14, 2017
May 14, 2017
Celebrate with the angels and saints in heaven, Tay, as we celebrate your 95th quietly deep in our hearts.
November 15, 2016
November 15, 2016
Warmest greetings to Nanay, Donna and the rest of the family on this sad anniversary. Your kindness to me all those years ago (1969-71) in Marawi City is something I still treasure.
Stuart Judge
Stuart Judge
November 12, 2016
November 12, 2016
Two years of saying farewell. It doesn't get any easier with time.
June 19, 2016
June 19, 2016
You are in our thoughts and hearts everyday, Tay, but especially so today. Happy Father's Day!
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Have a merry eternal celebration in heaven, Tatay Forts!
May 14, 2016
May 14, 2016
Celebrate with the Lord and the angels in Heaven, Tay. Happy Birthday!
March 8, 2016
March 8, 2016
I am so sorry to have only just seen this sad news. Much love, and thanks for the great kindness you showed me so many years ago.
Stuart Judge
Stuart Judge
November 13, 2015
November 13, 2015
It has been a year, Tay. I am still sad, still sorry you had to leave without a farewell hug from me. In all this sadness, I am at peace knowing that you are eternally resting with the Lord. All the memories will be my treasure to cherish forever.
October 5, 2015
October 5, 2015
Manong Atong, it is your intellectual and academic prowess that has stayed on in me all these years. It was an exemplar I hope everyone in the family saw. and will later on see. Am glad I visited with you whenever I was in Iligan. Rest in peace which continues to elude us all still alive.
May 14, 2015
May 14, 2015
I wish you peace and love on your birthday, Tay. Celebrate with joy with God and his angels.
November 23, 2014
November 23, 2014
Leo and I are so fortunate having you Tatay Ports as one of our wedding godparents. You have shown an amazing inspiration to us and to many other couples. Your gentle and sweet smile every Sunday will surely be missed. Rest in peace Tatay and send our love to everyone in heaven...
November 22, 2014
November 22, 2014
Farewell my dear Physics mentor. I once asked a favor from you in my quest of making it to Brunei before and indeed, you readily granted that request. I consider you to be my father also as your eldest daughter is my batchmate and best friend in MSU I will always cherish the moments when I stayed in your residence and be with your whole family. Thank you for the warm treatment and the chance to belong to a wonderful family.
November 19, 2014
November 19, 2014
I believe Compadre Fort is now greatly rewarded by God for all eternity for having lived an exemplary life here on earth.
November 19, 2014
November 19, 2014
You had been undoubtedly a good husband to Nanay; loving father to Diana, Donna and David; doting Lolo to all your grandchildren; brother and friend to many; respected, notable and reputable academician of MSU. How could a simple and humble icon with a Duchenne and smizing smile be forgotten? Your mission is over and you definitely completed it with flying colors. The time of sweet sorrow and goodbye has come. You have my deep admiration. May God's holy angels and saints welcome you in your place of eternal repose, peace and joy. Keep smiling and have a speedy flight to heaven, Tatay!
November 18, 2014
November 18, 2014
Uncle Forts, It's sad to lose you at this time, unfortunately no death is timely. We will always remember you as the calmest, gentle , handsome, humble and intelligent uncle who touched so many lives by your personal and professional level. I was so proud to be called " Prof. Portugaleza's" niece during my university years in the campus. The benefit of your dedicated work is a living testimony for so many young men and women under your wings. While we mourn today, we also take comfort in the fact that your mission on earth would have been fulfilled. You are gone but not forgotten. Rest in peace Uncle.
November 16, 2014
November 16, 2014
Your kind heart is a beacon of light that has inspired many of us who look up to you. That light has shown us the way through life's tricky stones and boulders, always with that gentle smile on your face. Rest in God's embrace Tatay Fort!
November 16, 2014
November 16, 2014
Having left the PI at a young age, I did not know Uncle Fort as much as my siblings. But I'll always remember him as a quiet, gentle, intellectual man who was always so suportive of Auntie Nita and the kids. He leaves a strong legacy of strength, hard work, and love of family and is now rested in the loving arms of our Lord in the company of our departed family members. Rest in peace, Uncle Fort.
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Recent Tributes
November 13, 2023
November 13, 2023
I say goodbye again on this day, Tay, but you are always in our hearts. Rest peacefully until the day we will all be together again.
May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023
Fortunato was a very decent and gracious human being. He and his family were very kind to me when I was a young volunteer teacher at MSU Marawi City.
November 13, 2022
November 13, 2022
With happy and grateful memories of much hospitality from the Portugaleza family 1969-1971. My wife, Mee-Yan, alas died of Covid-19 this summer. We had been married 40 years.
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Recent stories
A Daughter's Farewell
November 17, 2014
by Diana Garcia
I knew this day was going to come. Yet, no amount of preparation or the flood of tears is enough to ease the pain. I was not there to hug and hold you one last time, to kiss you farewell and to whisper in your ear that I love you and always will. Judgments will be passed, but I know deep in my heart that you understand why I could not be there with you to send you off on this final journey to be with our Father, and your understanding is all that truly matters.
You have left a legacy centered on honesty, humility, kindness, diligence and calm. I can never recall a single instance of a raised voice, a raised hand, or an outburst of anger. To this day I continue to be amazed by your peacefulness. You were never one to complain, criticize or demand. All that reflects such inner strength. I wish I could have even an ounce of your patient and tolerant nature that shone through even during these last few years as your mind slowly began to fade. I do believe that these wonderful traits were intricately woven in you by God so that nothing, not even afflictions, could take them away.
You have touched the lives of so many, and I believe each one of them is all the better for it. You shared your knowledge and wisdom as the quintessential mentor. You introduced me to science and made me fall in love with it even as a young child. You accomplished so much yet you remained quietly humble of your countless accomplishments and recognitions. I am and will always be the proud daughter of Sir Ports.
My heart is heavy with sadness but something inside tells me to be joyful, to celebrate your life, and to take comfort in knowing that you are now in a much better place, free from all worldly ailments. You are now in a place of eternal peace and bliss. I thank the Lord for blessing me with such a precious gift: the best father any daughter can ever wish for. I will miss you forever. I look forward to the day we will be together again. Until then, together with Al, Jan and Mark, we say farewell, my dearest Tatay. May you always walk in sunshine with the Lord.