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University of California| Berkeley

Emil and Ann Portale Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Nov. 2 to Nov. 3, 2022.

Emil Louis Portale and Ann Farnsworth Portale

Emil Louis Portale and Ann Farnsworth Portale were beloved parents and grandparents who lived in Santa Cruz, California for over 40 years.

Emil was born in San Francisco, California on June 24, 1936, to Constantine and Rose Portale. He died January 9, 2014.

Ann was born in Mill Valley, California on November 11, 1937, to Gordon and Margo Farnsworth. She died April 1, 2020.

Emil and Ann met at the University of California, Berkeley. Emil majored in journalism, was sports editor of The Daily Californian, and used writing throughout his long career in PR and real estate. In the 1960s, Emil made an award-winning short film, "Junk", about the San Francisco Bay mudflat sculptures. Ann majored in English, and worked at the Berkeley Hills Nursery School, an innovative co-operative where parents and teachers collaborate on their children's early education.

After their first marriages ended, Emil and Ann moved first to San Jose, then to Santa Cruz where they raised four children and many cats and spent summers in Southern Oregon near Lake Selmac. They enjoyed traveling and finding the latest technology gadget or bargain at Costco. They were early adopters of video games and "champion" Pong players.

Emil and Ann sought out and dined at hidden gem restaurants across the Bay Area and wrote their own reviews focused on the food and atmosphere.

Both were dedicated to their parents, taking care of Ann's mother in their home, and visiting Emil's mother each week in San Francisco.

Emil and Ann spent many years in Santa Cruz working as a team in real estate and property management. They were known for helping clients envision life in their new homes. Many of their clients became lifelong friends.

Emil and Ann are survived by their four children Kathryn, Julia, Rod (Cheri), and Beth; grandchildren Emma, Alex, Jack, Jenni, and Lily; Emil's brother Jack; and Ann's sister Lynn (David) and their children Amy (Brett), Joce (Scott), Anna (Mathew), and grandchildren.

Emil and Ann will be remembered for their good humor, appreciation of life, and dedication to their family and each other.

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