Obituary of Stephen J. Portelli

STEPHEN J. PORTELLI Rensselaer-Stephen J. Portelli, 49 of Rensselaer, beloved husband of Theresa L. Bendura Portelli, entered into eternal life suddenly Sunday, October 4, 2009 at Albany Memorial Hospital. Born in Norwich,NY, he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Mary (Cincotta) Portelli. He married his beloved Theresa L. Bendura June 22, 1985 in Sherburne, NY. He received his Associate's Degree from SUNY Morrisville. Steve was the Station Manager at Forward Air Inc. on Sicker Road in Latham for the last 10 years. He was a communicant of St. Ambrose Church in Latham where he was active on the Life Teen Core Team and sang in the Life Teen band. Steve taught religious education at St. Ambrose and participated in mission trips to Mississippi and Mexico with the church. He was active in the St. Isaac Jogues Youth Conference at Auriesville Shrine. Steve coached girls' softball in the East Greenbush Softball League. He also coached baseball at the East Greenbush-Castleton Little League for many years. He excelled in softball and wore #14 in honor of his favorite Yankee, Lou Piniella. He was a devoted supporter of the New York Yankees and an expert in Yankee trivia. He was a fan of the "Honeymooners" television show. He was quick with a joke and full of wit. Steve was a devout Catholic whose faith sustained him through many challenging times in his life. Steve was a true family man who loved his wife, children, and family with all his heart. Survivors, in addition to his wife, include his loving children Jena M. (Christopher J.) Chevalier, Dominic R. Portelli, Annalyse C. Portelli, and Daniel J. Portelli all of East Greenbush. He is also survived by his dear siblings Mary Kay (Jack) Frederick of Latham, Joanne (Thomas) LeFaivre of Camden,NY, Joseph F. (Anita) Portelli of Binghamton, and Terri (John) Bernarde of Latham, his mother and father-in-law, Robert And Shirley Bendura of Sherburne as well as the siblings and their families of his wife Theresa. He is also survived by his loving extended family. A Mass of Christian Burial and Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday October 10, 2009 at 9:00 am in St. Ambrose Church, 347 Old Loudon Road, Latham with Rev. Francis DuBois Pastor & Rev. Tony Childs officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday from 3-7 p.m. at St. Ambrose Church, 347 Old Loudon Road, Latham. In Lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Daniel J. or Annalyse C. Portelli Memorial Fund. Donations can be sent to any SEFCU location and made payable to either child. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rensselaer. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.