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Bill Poortvliet Obituary
was born in Jackson Heights, New York on March 28, 1931 to William George Poortvliet of Seattle, Washington and Margie Poortvliet (nee O'toole) of Albany, New York. The Lord took him on August 18, 2011. Bill Studied at St. Joan of Arc school in Jackson Heights for 8 years, and then for 6 years at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, and Manhattan College in New York. Following U.S. Army service from 1952 to 1954, Bill graduated from New York University in 1956 and commenced a 39 year career at Met Life. He became Chief Actuary, then Executive VP of Met Life and finally Chairman, President, and CEO of Met Life International. Bill was predeceased by Gigi, the love of his life, who was his wife and partner for 31 years. Together they traveled the globe and lived in New York, Madrid Spain, Westport, Connecticut, and Scottsdale, Arizona. He is survived also by an extended family including Gigi's daughter Denise Steel, Denise's Husband, Nick Steel; daughter Caroline Hutchings; three granddaughters; and four great-grandchildren, as well as a nephew, Richard O'haire. Bill has been a supporter of the Arizona Humane Society, the Mayo Clinic, ASU and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Gifts, in lieu of flowers, may be made to these organizations in Bill's name. Funeral service will be 10 AM Wednesday August 24, 2011 at Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church with interment immediately following at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary.
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Memories and Condolences
for Bill Poortvliet
2 Entries
Darin Schnall
August 24, 2011
Bill was a good friend and client for 23 years and I will miss him dearly. He was a very generous man with a kind heart. He opened his home to me whenever I would visit from New York. A truly wonderful man. I will never forget you and your lovely wife Gigi. May you both rest in peace.
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
August 23, 2011
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow attendee and the family at this time. Attendees are recognized on the theory "if it's important to some to mention in an obit, then we can spare a few prayers". Perhaps, the time at MC was both formative and important to our comrade. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
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Messinger Mortuaries-Pinnacle Peak Mortuary8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
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