Jesse A. Portal

Jesse A. Portal died on March 21, 2015 at the age of 78. He was born in Opelousas, LA and grew up there and in Port Barre, LA. Jesse lived most of his adult life in New Orleans and Jefferson, LA, and he retired from Cooper/ T. Smith after a long career there as a linesman in the Mooring Department. He enjoyed working in his yard, had a fondness for camellias, and enjoyed carpentry which he learned while working with his father as a teen. He was a former Boy Scout adult leader, also volunteered at St. Francis of Assisi Church for parish fairs, and volunteered for several years at Childrens Hospital annual street fair which was held during its formative years. Jesse was part of a transitional generation in South Louisiana which went from French speaking to English speaking. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, the former Mary Jane Stelly originally from Leonville, LA, his 5 children: Ken Portal, Malinda Martinez (Jeff), Kathy Marchand (John), Nina Terranova (Jake), and Bart Portal. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Heather Martinez Achord (Marcus), Amber Martinez Compagno (Brian), Cody Martinez, Jacquelyn Marchand, Rebecca Marchand, Lauren Terranova Brown (Nick), Kyle Terranova, and Victoria Terranova, his 2 great grandchildren, Dylan Achord and Flynn Achord, and also leaves behind his precious and loyal little dog Jolie (Pootsie). Jesse was preceded in death by his parents Angelle Robin Portal and Joseph Portal, a brother Leroy Portal and a sister, Verna Lalonde. He will be sadly missed, but forever remembered. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home; 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA the visitation will begin at 9:00 AM until Mass time. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be considered to the American Cancer Society or Masses to be offered.