Harry Portier Jr.

On November 30, 2024, with his wife Patricia, by his side, Harry Walter Portier Jr. took his last breath at his home in New Mexico. Just 19 days before his 96th birthday. Harry was born on December 19th, 1928, in New Orleans, La. He graduated from S. J. Peters High School in June 1946 and shortly thereafter joined the Navy, serving from August 1946 through April 1948 on the ship USS Hector. After returning home from the Navy, he married his first wife the late Gloria Casey and joined the Local 60 Plumbers and Fitters Union as an apprentice, remaining a member for 74yrs. His first son, Gerald was born in 1950. 1954 was busy for Harry. He received his plumbers license, welcomed his second son Daryl and moved his family to Metairie, La, a suburb of New Orleans. There he raised his family. The boys went to St Catherine and then on to Rummel and East Jefferson. In the late fifties, Harry, being a talented singer, joined a local entertainment group and participated in several local entertainment variety shows. He was involved in both Cub and Boy scouts and in the mid to late 60’s drove Gerald’s band equipment and members to band Gigs. In 1972 his work took him to Denver, Colorado where he met his wife Pat. They shared many interests including dancing, learning to snow ski and traveling. When his job ended in 1974 they moved to Metairie, La. Harry was back at work in his hometown, often pointing out buildings around the city that he helped to construct, including the Hyatt Regency by the Superdome. The 80’s were very busy for Harry. He always liked to help others and was named “Pioneer Partner of the Year” for helping handicapped children, among other sponsored activities. Besides being a master plumber, his hobby was woodworking. He also took a course in painting so he could “do it all”. Some of his items were even sold! He also enjoyed watching and cheering on the New Orleans Saints. His biggest desire was to go to Australia. In 1987, he and Pat fulfilled that dream. Upon returning home, he decided to retire. Five years later, while remodeling his home, he suffered a severe stroke on October 30th, 1992. After several years of therapy, he recovered considerably and was able to travel again. He took trips to Ca, Las Vegas and Hawaii’s Big Island. After Hurricane Katrina, in March 2006, Harry and Pat decided to move inland and chose Rio Rancho, NM. He still followed his beloved Saints from afar and they still traveled some, taking their last trip back to Denver in 2022. Harry is survived by his wife Patricia Portier, His sons Gerald (Gwen) Portier and his son Daryl Portier. Stepdaughter Janice Maritt Stepson William (Sally) Maritt; Grandchildren Nanette Olivier (Brian), Jodie Muhleisen (Edward), Leslie Bell (Christopher Franke), Molly Mikhael( Anthony), Jaime Maritt, Lyndsey Maritt, Maegan Maritt; Great Grandchildren Preston and Emersyn Olivier, Edward Jr and Kate Muhleisen, Rhodes Mikhael, Ethan Maritt, Makaela Maritt Lunnon, and his sister Patricia Uhle. In addition to his parents he was Predeceased by his twin sister Iris Saucier, Stepson Robert Maritt and Daughter-in-law Rhoda Portier. The family acknowledges with deep appreciation, the friendship and support of Luis Alcazar and Carla Mcintyre throughout his years in New Mexico and months of illness. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

Tributes

Harry Portier Jr.

December 19, 1928 - November 30, 2024