Arturo "Gene" Portillo

Arturo “Gene” Portillo 82 passed away peacefully on December 1 surrounded by his family at his home in Santa Fe. Arturo was born to the late Rogerio and Viola Portillo. He was the third born of twelve children. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Father-in law Charles R. and Mary B. Lopez. Sisters Olivia, Amy and Marylou- George Barela. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Nancy Portillo (Lopez), his brothers Ricardo-Sheila, Estevan, Patricio, Lorenzo-Lenora, Tomas-Lisa, Rogerio Jr.-Karen, Andy-Jackie and sister Joanne. Along with his three sons Arthur E. Portillo Jr.-Michelle, James, Paul-Carmen. Grandsons Carlos, Marcos-Litzy, James Jr.-Amelia, Miguel, Juan and Jose. Granddaughters Lisa Marie-Tommy, Trinity, Nancy and Great Granddaughter Nova Mae. Brother-in-laws Rudy Rendon, Romeo Ortiz, and numerous Aunts Uncles and other relatives. Arturo proudly served in the world’s finest U.S. Navy as a Ships Servicemen from 1963-1967.While in the Navy during the Vietnam war one of his proudest moments was being involved in Operation “Market Time”. Where his ship, along with another Navy vessel, seized the largest cache of weapons and ammunitions headed to the Viet Cong. After the Navy Arturo worked at C.E.D. for 28 years as a salesman. In 1995 Arturo, Nancy and James opened Portillo’s Alignment and Brakes where they have successfully run the business till today. Arturo was known around Santa Fe for his love of classic cars which he enjoyed working on with family and friends. Arturo was a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cerrillos N.M. for over 40 years where he was a mayordomo and was very active in the church. The Portillo family would like to thank Nexus Healthcare, the VA and the Presbyterian Northern NM Hospice Professionals for their wonderful care and keeping Arturo comfortable. Services will be held at Cristo Rey Church in Santa Fe. The rosary will begin at 10 am with mass and burial to follow at the National Cemetery. The family would like anybody with a classic car or truck to drive it for the procession in memory of Arturo.