Frank Portillo Sr.

FUNERAL HOME

Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside

1025 West 55th Street

Countryside, Illinois

Frank Portillo Obituary

Portillo Sr., Frank 98, of Lexington Square, Elmhurst, passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2007. Frank Sr, was born on June 4, 1909, and spent his childhood in El Paso, TX, and the mining town of Dawson, New Mexico, where his mother, Trinidad, operated a boarding house for miners. In March of 1923, Frank Sr., joined his older brother, Julian, in Chicago. While working at a leather tannery on Halsted and North Branch, Frank Sr. met his beloved wife, Bea, from Messina-Kalamata, Greece. The couple married in August of 1929, when the country was on the brink of the Great Depression. Despite this humble beginning, the couple went on to enjoy nearly 71 years together, until Bea's death in August of 2000. The couple formally renewed their wedding vows five times during their marriage. Frank, Sr. and Bea raised three successful children, the late Carmen (Dr. Richard Collins) of Milwaukee, an accomplished artist and art instructor, Frank Jr. (Joan) of Hinsdale, President, Owner and Founder of Brown's Chicken and Pasta and Dick (Sharon) of Oak Brook, President, Owner and Founder of the Portillo Restaurant Group, which includes Portillo's Hot Dogs, Barnelli's Pasta Bowl, Key Wester Fish and Pasta House and Luigi's House. In addition to working at the tannery and various factories in Chicago, Frank Sr. supported his family by selling insurance for Monumental Life Insurance Company and later, working for the Illinois Secretary of State, Prior to his retirement, he purchased two Brown's Chicken franchises from his son, Frank Jr., in Midlothian and Chicago. Though he had no formal education, Frank Sr., continually sought to better his family's circumstances and provide a safe environment for his wife and children while living in some of the poorest neighborhoods in Chicago. After relocating several times in Chicago, Frank Sr. moved his family to the Southwest surburbs. Frank Sr., desired to excel at whatever task he undertook, and his hobbies were no exception. He spent many hours fishing in Lake Michigan with his sons, Frank Jr. and Dick. His sons recall fondly the days spent fishing with their father and learning to swim in the lake water behind the Planetarium. In addition to his love of fishing, Frank Sr. was a gifted wood carver, and some of the most cherished pieces of art in both sons' collections are the carvings made by their father. Devoted to his family and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, Frank Sr., never missed an opportunity to share a laugh with family and friends. His sons state that Frank Sr. was a remarkable man who never needed the aid of eyeglasses. Frank Sr. smoked cigarettes to the age 95, quitting only at the insistence of his sons. However, he continued his ritual of having a shot of Jack Daniels every evening before bed. He frequently reminded his children to avoid stress and enjoy life, and he will be remembered for his irrepressible spirit. Frank Sr. is survived by his sons, Frank Jr. (Joan) and Richard (Sharon), grandchildren, Cindy, Debbie, Dan, Cheryl, Jerry, Toni Lyn, Michael, Joe and Tony Paul, ten great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bea, his daughter, Carmen, and his brother, Julian and sister, Carmen. A private service will be held at Hallowell and James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Kindly omit Flowers, Memorials to The Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 769, Hillside, IL, 606162, appreciated. Funeral home phone: 708-352-6500

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Jul. 21 to Jul. 22, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Portillo

11 Entries

Doug Watson

July 25, 2007

May God bless the entire Portillo Family at this time.

My aunt saw the notice in the Tribune and saved it for me when I came through chicago on a business trip today.

I remember the first time I met your father in the Midlothian Chicken store when I was about 12 years old. I will always remember him as being happy, and interested in what his boys and their families were doing. I remember seeing him at your family parties and in the restaurants and he always made it a point to stop and say hi.

He will surely be missed. I am happy to have known him.

Art Plass

July 24, 2007

To the dear families of Frank Portillo, Sr., and Bea.

Please accept the condolences of the Art Plass family on the recent loss of your father.

To his dear sons, Frank and Richard, who became successful businessmen, and especially to Frank and Joan, who not only became customers at the Elmhurst National Bank, but also very dear friends, I would like to share this poem:

Those We Love

Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed, still very dear.

(Author Unknown)

Leonilo Portillo

July 24, 2007

My deepest sympathy for your family on the death of Frank Portillo Sr. My father, Hermilo Portillo came to chicago from el paso and also struggled to raise his family here so I feel your pain. God Bless.

July 23, 2007

To my Friend Frank Portillo, Joan and Family
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your Dad
You indeed must have some great memories and that is where our loved ones always still live - in our hearts and minds -
Asked my Dad - in prayer -to say hello and welcome yours to eternity
John J Flood Cook County Police (Ret)

A J Post

July 23, 2007

I regret to hear of the passing of Frank Portillo Sr. He was a lifelong source of positive inspiration to his family. May his memories of enjoying life be a continual inspiration to his sons and their families.

Michael Niner

July 22, 2007

My name is J. Michael Niner. I always loved to take my children toi the "A" frame on St. Charles Rd back in the late 60's early 70's. Frank was a man of great compassion and kindness, His spirit will always be a part of my life. Peace Frank! I will see ya soon, and please, please, get a "Dog" ready for my entrance."

J. Michael Niner
Taneyville, MO

A Chicago native

The Duchaine Family

July 21, 2007

There is no doubt in my mind...your father left this earth as a very proud man. I can only hope that when my husband and I are gone, we have been as successful at instilling in our child, the values that you have obviously learned from your mom and dad.
Please accept our condolences.

Ginger Semple-Schneider

July 21, 2007

To Frank Portillo & Family:

My deepest sympathy.

Jane Doe

July 21, 2007

To the Portillo Family:
You are in my hearts and prayers.
A Loyal Customer of Brown's and Portillo's

Mary Huske

July 21, 2007

Dear Frank and Family:
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your wonderful memories of your father will be with you forever.
Mary Huske
(former Director of Broadview Chamber of Commerce)

Thomas (Tom) Schnell

July 21, 2007

My picture of Mr. Portillo, is him playing his guitar and singing a couple of Mexican songs back in the winter of 1958---shortly after Christmas.

My parents (Clarence & Millie Schnell--now deceased) stayed the night as guest of the Portillo's that year, as Frank's son Dick and I were leaving the following day back to Camp Pendleton. My parents drove me from Vassar, MI to Bridgeview (Chicago), which is likely hardly heard of in this day and age.

I live in Michigan (north of Detroit--Lapeer) today, but Dick and I have kept a contact with each other throughout the past 50 years.

God bless Mr. Frank Portillo and his daughter, and two sons, and all of their families for the loss of a parent, grandfather, and great grandfather---if not more.

A loss is a loss though no matter what age. But---98 years certainly ain't bad. I can still see his friendly smile when he was but 49 or so.

Sincerely,
Tom Schnell, Lapeer, MI

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