Chelma Portaro Obituary
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David L. Kildoo
July 31, 2021
So sorry to hear about Chelma. I worked at Tom Portaro´s in the mid 70´s, such great memories. Such a great family. Our Prayers to You Mike and Family.
Stephanie Rabon Grantham
December 18, 2019
Dear Mike. I just found out yesterday that Chelma had passed. I am deeply sorry for your loss I will never forget the great kindness you,Chelma and your parents showed me the summer I worked as a hostess at your Rivers Avenue location. It has been one of my fondest memories over all these years. I have thought of all of you over these years with graditude. Love, Stephanie (Rabon) Grantham
Bob & Diane Aiello
December 18, 2019
Mike, Bob and I are so sorry to learn about Chelma'S passing. I know we have lost touch with you but we have always thought of you both with love and the good times we had spent with each other. Bob still talks about Portaros and the fabulous food especially the pizza. He still says it was the best. Our sincere sympathy to you. Wish we had been there to let you know how much we cared for you both. our prayers are with you. I called you and left message will try again soon
John Drawdy
November 25, 2019
Chelma was always very kind and cheerful to our family when we visited their restaurant. She and Mike and staff made everyone feel welcomed. Sincere condolences to her family. God bless you.
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Tassie and Steve Bielsky
November 24, 2019
To MIke,
We are so very sorry for your loss of Chelma. What a joy it was to have known her for all of the years at Portaro's. Her beautiful smile greeted us every time we visited. You both watched our boys grow from toddlers to adults as we shared dinners at Portaro's over the years. We are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Anne Twigg
November 24, 2019
Many years ago, Mr. Tom let my dear friend Chelma and I use his Buick Park Ave. to go pickup Chelma's Mom who was arriving into Atlanta airport from Scotland. Before departing, my husband, Rick, laughed and said, "You two will never stop talking the whole way to Atlanta." We just laughed with him. However, sure enough, as we were driving west, along I-20, all of a sudden the road sign appeared, reading "Welcome to Alabama!" Feeling somewhat foolish, we laughed together, as we turned around and headed back toward Atlanta, making doubly sure, this time, that we did not miss our exit for the airport. Thankfully, we arrived in good time, to collect Mrs. MacLean, agreeing together that we better keep our escapade to ourselves. We had lots of fun back in our younger years, together, both having come from Scotland, and shared many weekly outings, either visiting with friends or going out for lunches together. Anyone who knew Chelma, loved her for her great personality. She was always the same welcoming person no matter when you met her. She will be sadly missed.
Rose Mary Danforth
November 23, 2019
It was many years ago that we were stationed in S.C. Goose Creek was a wonderful place and we were well served at the local Pizza place. Being from Glasgow was another good reason to visit and chat with Chelma. A lovely lady who will be missed by many May she Rest in Peace.
Doug & Jane Hester
November 22, 2019
I worked for The Portaro's. I always had fun with her. She was the life of the party. My prayers go out to the family.
Dale & Carol Munoz
November 22, 2019
We are so very sorry to hear of Chelmas passing.We fondly remember so many good times shared with family and friends while dining at your restaurant.You are in our hearts and prayers.
Chip Torgerson
November 21, 2019
Our condolences to the Portaro family. We have so many loving memories of your family and the restaurant. Ms. Chelma was probably my first crush as a little boy! We have missed and thought about you all and the restaurant often through the years. God bless you all!
DeForest Gibbs
November 21, 2019
It's with great joy to have known Chelma and all the Portaro family.The restaurant was a institution that brought so many people together.A wonderful lady that will not be forgotten.God Bless
Cynthia Margiotta
November 21, 2019
Our family loved Mrs. Portaro. We had such good times eating pizza and other delicious food at the restaurant. It was my Daddy's favorite place to go. I know she will be missed.
Sheila Ireland
November 21, 2019
Thinking of you Mike with heartfelt sympathy at this very sad time . Beautiful memories of time spent with you & Chelma in your lovely home in South Carolina . Wishing you feelings of comfort , moments of peace & memories of joy during this difficult time
Cathy Gregory
November 21, 2019
I only knew you for a short period of time but long enough to know you were a very special lady . Rest In Peace my beautiful friend .
November 20, 2019
Dear Mike and all the Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss!We know you will be comforted by many fond thoughts of Chelma, and stories folks will tell for years to come! She was such a beautiful and vibrant person!We were fortunate to eat at your restaurant for many years, and I am so glad I could deliver your mail in Goose Creek. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Wayne and Dawn Smith
Brenda Kelley
November 20, 2019
Mike and family
Please accept our condalences for your loss of Chelma. Milton & I were fellow Volunteers at Trident Hospital. We loved her and miss her as well. We will remember
the family in our prayers.
Charlie & Carole Szad
November 20, 2019
Michael and Family
please accept our condolences for your loss of Chelma. She was such a fine person. Tom Portaro's Restaurant was our favorite in Charleston. We think of you often. She will be sorely missed.
Diane Jones
November 20, 2019
Hi Mike This is Diane Jones, My late sister Theresa Davis, and I loved coming to Portaro's and we both worked at Dorchester Motor lodge and sent alot of customers to enjoy the delicious food as well I was so sad to hear about Chelma Absolutely loved her and will be praying for you and your family God bless
Dominic Rosato
November 20, 2019
Mr. Mike I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers I will never forget you and Mrs Chelma giving me and my brother Vinni a job at restaurant you all mean the world to us and thanks to you for getting 2 teenagers off on the right foot by giving us a job been working hard ever since. Mrs Chelma will be missed by many take care Mr Mike the Rosato family loves you all God Bless
Tom & Ruby LIndsay
November 20, 2019
Ruby and I are saddened to hear of Chelma's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mike and your family.
R. Allen Young
November 20, 2019
Michael and Family:
I was very saddened to learn of the passing of your dear wife and mother. Chelma was such a nice person: truly a lovely lady from Scotland!
My family and I use to frequent your wonderful restaurant a number of years ago(80s). You might remember my Uncle Laurence Heiterer and his brother Joe and sisters Alice and Mary. We always so enjoyed our Friday night spaghetti dinners and talking and laughing with Chelma.
Accordingly, please accept my sincerest sympathy.
God bless Chelma and God bless all of you.
SincerelyAllen Young
Lula White
November 20, 2019
Mr. Mike
I can only reiterate the notes sent by Jan Garris Stoots. Ms. Chelma was such a wonderful person and our mother loved her and you. We have many fond memories of dinners at the restaurant and you and Ms. Chelma's warm welcomes, hugs and smiles. She will be missed. My prayers are with you and your family. Love always.
Lula White
Julie McLean Gilmour
November 19, 2019
To my special Auntie Chelma, thanks for all the memories and all the fun. We will miss you. With all our love Gordon, Julie, Ewan, Freya and Rosie x Do you know me?
Thinking of you Uncle Mike, we love and miss you x
Julie McLean Gilmour
November 19, 2019
To my special Auntie Chelma, thanks for all the memories and all the fun. We will miss you. With all our love Gordon, Julie, Ewan, Freya and Rosie x Do you know me?
Mary (bootie) Romagnano
November 19, 2019
Mike
I am so very sorry to hear about Chell, she was a wonderful person.
Toni Golden
November 19, 2019
Praying for the family.
Michael Miller
November 19, 2019
Words fail. I'm sorry for your loss. Ms. Chelma (and all of the Tom Portaro family) will remain in my thoughts, prayers and memories. Thank you for being a part of my life.
JAN GARRIS STOOTS
November 19, 2019
Miss Chelma,
Much time has passed since we met when I was three. You fed me spaghetti in the restaurant, helped me with my homework, talked about the book I was reading, and always had a gigantic smile on your face. As a teenager when I worked there, you talked me through boy problems, and we laughed a lot. Those times were precious to me! Later as an adult, I brought both my babies there. I can remember a time when Lindsay was on the table in her carrier, and you were feeding her spaghetti, too! You said it was a rite of passage for us. Your personality was one that radiated warmth throughout the restaurant. You knew all the regulars by name, and you greeted new diners as if you'd known them for years. Miss Angie, Mr Tom, and Mike were lucky to have found such a jewel. You will truly be missed by so many whose lives you have touched! Try to keep my mom and dad straight up there! It was a privilege to be your friend.
To Mike, Ricky, and the family - I'll be praying for God to comfort you.
Angela Mclean
November 19, 2019
Will love and miss you always xxx
BETH SANBORN
November 18, 2019
Will miss you always.
Beth
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