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Zirbel Funeral Home

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Groton, New York

Dennis Portzline Obituary

Portzline, Dennis W.

Dennis W. Portzline died unexpectedly on December 25, 2013. He was born in Cortland, NY on September 1, 1948 and lived in and around the Groton-Dryden area for most of his life. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In October 2010, Dennis relocated to Dover-FoxCroft, ME. There, he enjoyed a slower pace and congenial lifestyle in his new location. Dennis was a firm believer in social justice and had strong opinions on the "goings-on" of our government. He was quick to join a debate on how to improve all levels of the government. Dennis served in the US Air Force during the Viet Nam Conflict. Upon his return, he worked with his parents helping to manage the Portzline Trailer Park, Laundromat and Car Wash in Dryden, NY. He eventually branched out on his own and began doing carpentry work, built the first solar home in Tompkins County and was respected for the many barns and other construction projects he undertook. Always enjoying the challenge of new ventures, he had many ideas of enterprises he wanted to tackle. Dennis is survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law Janet and Paul (Buddy) Lang, Groton, NY, Joan Portzline and Dan Armitage, Dryden, NY, Sandy and John Hajney, Concord, NC, Terri and Tom Siwula, Homer, NY, Annette and Fred Walden, Bradenton FL along with his beloved nieces and nephews. Dennis will also be missed by his many cousins and his only surviving uncle, AJ Bennett. Dennis was predeceased by his father Donald E Portzline, his stepfather Joseph Lucas, his niece Sarah Hajney and his mother Cleo Bennett Portzline Lucas. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on January 3, 2014 at the Zirbel Funeral Home followed by a social sharing of all the wonderful and crazy memories of such a special and unique person. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or Heifer International, www.heifer.org, an organization that helps in areas of hunger and despair by reinvigorating communities through livestock, training and Passing on the gift. Condolences may be made to www.zirbelfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ithaca Journal on Dec. 31, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Portzline

Not sure what to say?





Paul Volante

December 21, 2020

I miss him have great memories

Paul Volante

December 22, 2019

Dennis was the BEST!!!

Robert Contreras

July 7, 2014

I believe I served in the Air Force with Dennis Portzline. Was he in Alamogordo New Mexico at any point? I think he went to Thailand for two tours. He was a friend and we discussed Vietnam and other issues concerning why we do what we are doing. I am only looking for confirmation that this is the same person I knew in 1970/1971 in New Mexico & Thailand. Sorry for his passing, but I think he was always in the right place.

Lanny Stewart

January 5, 2014

Janet,Joan and family,
Was saddened to hear of Dennis passing. May God be with you during this time of mourning. We were best of friends for many years and I have a lot of great memories of Dennis.Although we grew apart over the years,Dennis was a huge part of my life and he surely will be missed.

Paul Hinkle

January 1, 2014

Sorry to hear of cousin Dennis's death in was great cousin and enjoyed being around him.

Paul Volante

January 1, 2014

Dennis was a very special friend, we shared some incredible adventures together.Some of my most favorite memories were with him. I will miss him dearly.

Catherine Stevens

January 1, 2014

Janet, Joan, and family ~ My deepest condolences on the passing of your brother. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cathy

Mike Carberry

January 1, 2014

Hav'nt seen Dennis in many,many years but consider him as an old buddy.Play alot a softball and good times w/him.Sorry for your lost..

Charlene

December 31, 2013

So sorry to hear of the loss of Dennis. He was such a great guy. Fond memories of him in years gone by. Thinking of you all and sending Prayers for healing. Know you have lots of memories to hold him close. RIP Dennis.

Jim Flynn

December 31, 2013

I was so sorry to hear of Dennis' passing. My heartfelt condolences to Janet, Joan and the rest of the family. He will be missed.

Joanne Jolly

December 31, 2013

Janet and Joan and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you

December 31, 2013

Janet and Joan, I was sorry to hear that Dennis has passed on. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Randy Stewart

Mara Mitchell

December 31, 2013

My heartfelt condolences go out to all of the family, may Dennis rest in peace. I have the fondest memories of our days on Wickham Rd, when I was young. Dennis never turned us kids away from riding and caring for the horses, swimming in the pond, berry picking and snacking on saltine crackers with honey! He was a unique and simple man forever in my memory.

Dixie Dingler Mack

December 31, 2013

Joan and Janet,
My prayers go out to you and your family. I can't imagine how it is to lose your brother, but I know you have many memories of him in your heart to keep him close.

bill kirk

December 31, 2013

Joan - saddened to read about Dennis - I haven't seen him in several years, but always enjoyed talking with him in the pass- please accept my respect and sympathy for your family

Brad & Dee Goodwin

December 29, 2013

Janet & Joan, we are so sorry to hear about Dennis passing, sorry we were not able to catch up with him while he was in Maine. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

December 28, 2013

Janet and Joan,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your brother Dennis. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kyle Brown

Rolinda

December 28, 2013

Dear Janet and Joan,
In memory of the brother you love, my heartfelt condolences go out to you on the loss of your brother Dennis.
You loved him and he loved you.
May God comfort you and your families. During this sad time, I wish you strength.

Warmest hugs,
Rolinda

Wendy Yager

December 27, 2013

Janet, Joan and families, I am so sorry for your loss. Dennis was a good guy and had a great sense of humor. I loved his smile. He will be missed.

Jack Kriner

December 27, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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Zirbel Funeral Home

115 Williams Street, Groton, NY 13073

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