Charles R. “Charlie” Portz, 69, peacefully passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at his home on Chincoteague Island, VA, surrounded by his loved ones and comforted by his rescue cats.
Charlie was born on March 15, 1954, in Ashland, PA, and grew up in Girardville, PA. He relocated to York, PA, where he raised his family for 31 years before retiring to Chincoteague, VA, in 2020. He was the son of the late Raymond and Anna Portz (née Cichoski) in Girardville, PA.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Ellen Portz, with whom he celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary last December. He is also survived by his younger brother Frederick (Fred) Portz and his wife, Rose (Jefferson, OH.) Charlie and Ellen shared three children: Michelle Bruno and husband Carlos (York, PA), Kristan Allman and husband Bill (Chincoteague, VA), and Charles “Chuck” Portz (York, PA); six grandchildren: Jenissa Bruno, Rashaun Bruno, Xavier Bruno, Mya Bruno (York, PA), Andrew Allman and wife Meghan, and Jarod Allman (Ann Arbor, MI); four great-grandchildren: Aileen, Ezekiel, Anna, and soon to be born Saiveon; and multiple grandpuppies and grandkitties.
Charlie loved guitars and cars. He was also a Trekkie and fascinated with space. As per his wishes, the family will be sending part of his remains into space “to live long and prosper.”
A celebration of life in Charlie’s honor will be held at Heritage Hills Resort, York, PA, at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to York City School District, ℅ Music Department fund, 31 N Pershing Ave, York, PA 17401. Reference “in memorial to Charles Portz” or William Penn Senior High School ℅ STEAM Academy, 101 W College Avenue, York, PA 17401. Reference “STEAM Academy in memorial of Charles Portz.”
