Obituary of Albert L Portella

2/9/1932 - 2/1/2024 Albert L. Portella passed away in his home Thursday, February 1, surrounded by loved ones. The 91-year-old was born on February 9, 1932, in Paterson, N.J. In Paterson he met Joyce Leone, who predeceased him. He proudly served his country as part of the U.S. Army, while stationed in Korea. When he returned from the war, Joyce and Al married and Albert resumed his work as a truck driver. Settling in Paterson, Albert’s attention turned to raising three daughters who survive him: Daria O'Brien (64) of The Villages, Florida, Leslie Portella (59) of Dunedin, Florida, and Joy Portella (52) of Seattle, Washington. Albert was also blessed with the great pleasure of becoming an active, loving, and loved grandfather to Daria's three boys, Billy (35), Kenny (32) and Kyle (28), and Leslie's daughter Mia (20). He was also proud of his two greatgrandchildren, Mackenzie (3) and Theodore (1). Albert was a lifelong Catholic and former member of Holy Spirit Parish where he was active in the Knights of Columbus and an usher at Mass. He and his wife retired to Toms River in 1996. Beyond practicing his faith, Albert’s passions included travel, ballroom dancing, cooking, and watching football. Albert was as simple in his passing as he was in life, requesting a Mass, with no flowers or other remembrances. Mass will be held Tuesday, February 6 at Holy Spirit Church in Pequannock, at 11 a.m. with burial immediately following at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Paterson.