Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to immigrant parents from Hungary and Poland, Edward (Ed) John Portka grew up in the Pittsburgh projects, then put himself through college to become a successful architect and businessman. He was drafted for the Korean War, went through Officer Candidate School, and served for 3 years in the Corps of Engineers. Ed, affectionately called “Leo” or “EJ” by his wife, Linda, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at his home in Georgia.
Ed was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Portka and Mary Fusan Portka; his brother, Joseph (Barbara); and sisters, Rose Mary and Helen Portka; his daughter, Holly Carpenter Mallardi; and granddaughter, Oksana Hansen.
His family will always remember his football cheers throughout the house as he watched his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers play.
Ed is survived by his wife of 42 years, Linda Krause Portka; children, Cheryl (Dale) White, Donda (Shane) Hansen, and David (Corine) Reser; grandchildren, Tory (Shayla) Castello, Kelly Castello, Daryn (Craig) Reynolds, Zoe Carpenter, Brenna and Alex Hansen, Regan and Rayleigh Reser; and great-grandchildren Colton, Chloe, Mila and Waylon.
Throughout his life, Ed loved astronomy. From a young age he was a member of the Pittsburgh Amateur Astronomy Society. In college, he built telescopes. Later, Ed enjoyed teaching grandchildren about the constellations. He was also passionate about animals – any stray was welcome. Over his lifetime he loved and cared for more than 60 pets. His caring for animals didn’t stop with mammals. He often caught flies, spiders and other creepy crawlies and took them safely outside. He often said (and loudly) that he’d rather spend time with animals than people. Ed instilled his love of animals in his grandchildren and his legacy will live on through his great-grandchildren.
No services are scheduled at this time.
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