Elmer O. Portmann Jr.

Elmer O. Portmann Jr. MEDFIELD Elmer O. Portmann Jr. of Medfield, where he had lived for more than 45 years, died Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton, surrounded by his family. He was 81. Born in Amherst, Ohio, he was the son of the late Elmer O. and Gertrude (Kneisel) Portmann Sr. He was a 1944 graduate of Henrietta High School, in Henrietta, Ohio, and received a bachelor of science degree from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, in 1950. Mr. Portmann retired in 1990 from Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., as the assistant vice president, head of special claims, having worked on many high profile cases such as the Three Mile Island accident. He was a member of the American Legion, Beckwith Post 110 in Medfield, and the 1996-1997 Lions Club, citizen of the year. Very active in the town of Medfield, he had served on the warrant committee for six years, two of which he was the chairman. A member of the Permanent School Planning and Building Committee for the high school renovation project, he could often be seen at the polls in Medfield where he served as a warden for many years. A very active member of the United Church of Christ in Medfield, he had served as the collector and treasurer for many years, as well as the treasurer of the Friends of the Dwight-Derby House. He received the honor of having the Medfield Selectmen proclaim April 28, 1998 as "Elmer O. Portmann Jr. Day." He was also a U.S. Army World War II veteran. Devoted husband of 54 years to Jessie C. (Howe) Portmann, whom he married June 26, 1954, he was the loving father of Debra S. Portmann of Jamaica Plain, Edwin A. Portmann and his wife, Meghan, of Medway, David H. Portmann and his wife, Mary Ann, of Corinth, Maine, Joel F. Portmann and Melissa McBeath of Tucson, Ariz., and Brian J. Portmann and his wife, Susan, of Millis. He was the brother of Phyllis Moser of Bluffton, Ohio, and the late Lois Kleve and A. Frederic Portmann. He is also survived by his granddaughters, Justine M., Jocelyn M., and Janelle M. Portmann of Corinth, Maine, and Celina March OConnor of Medfield. A funeral service will take place Thursday, Dec. 11, at the United Church of Christ, 496 Main St., Medfield, at 11a.m. Visiting hours at the Roberts-Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 Miller St., Medfield, are Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Burial will be in Vine Lake Cemetery in Medfield. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Elmers name may be made to the United Church of Christ Memorial Fund, 496 Main St., Medfield, MA 02052. See www.robertsmitchell .com for the full obituary, guest book, directions and additional information.