July 14, 1947 – December 11, 2024
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Portelli at Mt Sinai Hospital on December 11, 2024. Ron was born in Sliema Malta to Carmen and Vincent Portelli, who immigrated to Toronto in 1950.
Ron was a graduate of Kipling Collegiate. He did his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Toronto (a brother of Sigma Nu fraternity) and graduate studies at The University of Waterloo.
Ron married Joyce Marjorie Webster on June 19, 1970, while they were both at University. They met as summer workers, after he rescued her from unruly bread machines at A&P bakeries. Mom may have married Dad partly for his flashy convertible Sunbeam.
Ron was a proud business owner and President of Concord Environmental. He worked with multiple companies as Vice President and worked in the Middle East prior to retirement. Ron also served as President of the Canadian Environment Industry Association.
Ron loved travel, wrestling, hockey, fast cars: a “work hard, play hard” kinda guy. He enjoyed cottage life with family in Muskoka tremendously.
Ron leaves behind his loving wife Joyce of 54 years, his sister Agnes, his brother Walter, his son Demetri and wife Laarni, his daughter Melinda and her husband Dirk, and his four grandchildren Olivia, Armand, Dylan and Wesley.
Relatives and friends will be received at the Carson Funeral Home – L. Doolittle Chapel, 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia (705)326-3595 on Tuesday December 17, 2024 from 6-8 P.M. and on Wednesday December 18, 2024 from 10 A.M. until time of funeral service at 11 A.M.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to The Canadian Cancer Society.
Our family would like to acknowledge the incredible doctors, notably Dr. Wunder and Dr. Salawu and the many amazing nurses at Mt. Sinai, Princess Margaret and Bridgepoint Hospitals, to whom we are eternally grateful.
Condolences
Charles and Chris Attard
Dec 18, 2024May he rest in peace! I will always remember my cousin Ron from our times at Balm Beach in the early 60’s, where the families would come together on summer Sundays for a swim and a picnic. Christmas was also a special time for the families to reacquaint and share a few laughs and this is where Ron’s sense of humour would shine. Ron was intelligent, charming, successful in business and very much a people person. He will be missed. Here’s hoping that Joy and the rest of the family stay strong at this very sad time. Respectfully, Charles and Chris Attard
Lee and Mary
Dec 18, 2024We were deeply saddened to hear about Ron's passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Ron was a wonderful neighbor and will be greatly missed. I enjoyed our chats at social gatherings, at the golf course, and the occational parking lot chats. If there’s anything we can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Kristen Alwan
Dec 18, 2024Thinking of you all and sending you love and strength during this extremely difficult time. My memories of Uncle Ron are filled with his humour, great laugh and amazing sense of adventure - always living life to its fullest. He will be greatly missed and will always be remembered. With love, Kristen, Rabee and family.
Annis Dupont
Dec 17, 2024Dear Joyce and Family, Please accept my sincere Sympathy on Ron's passing. The feelings of loss and emptiness will pass as memories replace the sadness. I first met Ron when he joined the staff of Gartner Lee. I always enjoyed chatting with Ron and sharing a laugh or two. I was quite surprised when one day this good looking gentleman stepped off the elevator at 90 Orchard Point and I thought there is only person I knew that had Perfect Hair and that was Ron, so I asked the gentleman if his name was Ron and he replied yes so then I told him who I was and we had worked together. We couldn't believe it, after so many years apart we would end up living in the same building. From then on, we had many elevator and lobby chats. I will always remember Ron's perfect hair, the envious shades of gray and gentlemanly ways. A good man.
Laurie and John
Dec 16, 2024We loved him so much. xoxoxoxooxox
Deborah Martin-Downs
Dec 16, 2024Dear Portelli family - my condolences on Ron's passing. Ron and I overlapped at Gartner Lee for many years until I left in 2005. We did great work there and he was very involved in leading some of the transformation as Pat Lee and John Gartner retired. We are both in Muskoka and would run into each other from time to time - I could always recognize him by his magnificent hair!
Allan May & Wayne Jones
Dec 16, 2024Dear Joy & family… our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences on the passing of Ron. He was always so easy to chat with, an intelligent and articulate conversationalist with a ready smile. Certainly a well-liked neighbour who will be missed.
Mark Wadey and Anna D'Alimonte
Dec 16, 2024We are so sorry for the family's loss. Ron was such a gentleman and we will miss him. And his wonderful smile. We are very sorry we will be away and unable to attend the service.
Wanda Miszczak
Dec 16, 2024A great loss to the whole family. He made his impact here on earth. Siincere condolences to everyone who loved him. No doubt he will be looking after his loved ones from above.
Natasha Webster
Dec 16, 2024My heartful condolences over the loss of Uncle Ron. What a special man he was!
David Cox
Dec 15, 2024Goodbye my old friend and brother in SN. Many years have passed since we braved and survived the cold initiation night which now would be harassment. How unfortunate it was that our paths did not cross again for decades as we were a year apart in engineering and we each went in different directions. At least we had The Middle East in common as a working environment. It was an absolute pleasure to see you and Joy again at the White Rose get together in 2019 after 50 years. Such a proud father and loving husband you were. Thank you for keeping in touch. My sincerest condolences and sympathies to Joy and all the family. When we return home on Boxing Day, I will send a photo of the SN hockey player Ron was. ❤️ David ZD288
Jules G - Formerly GLL
Dec 15, 2024Dearest Joy, Demetri, Melinda and Family - This is Juliette (Jules), who was the right hand to Ron, at Gartner Lee Limited 2005-2028! Over the years, Ron, Jennifer, Pauline and Suzanne (the marketing team) always got together to reminisce over good ole days at GLL! What a great heart 💜 RVP (as we called him) was! A leader that was also family! He helped us all grow and we just saw him last summer for a BBQ and had a lovely time! I just had texted with RVP at the end of November to send thanks for his support in my health recovery, as well as I on his with our whole group on that thread. That is how we rolled with Ron at the helm - even 20 plus years later!! I am so grateful for all the time with this mentor and awesome human being in my life path! May you find loving peace where you are RVP! Sending sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to you all on this great loss! May memories of happy times bring you all some solace. With love and respect 🥀 Jules
Joan & Michael Shanahan
Dec 15, 2024Dear [Family of Ron], We were deeply saddened to hear about Ron’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Ron’s kindness, generosity, and infectious smile will be remembered fondly. We hope you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared and the love of those around you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With sympathy, Joan and Michael Shanahan