When I put on something plaid the other day, I thought about your dad and just had to smile. He was such a bright and energetic force, always reaching out, always doing, and always teaching. I am eternally grateful to have had both him and your mother in my family life for as long as I can remember, including times in the city and especially times at the farm.

Thank you Red, thank you Ann, and thank you Leslee, for being my lifelong friends.

With love,

Martha

The Portaro family sends our condolences. May your memories keep your parents alive in your heart. I have fond memories of them both when you were at your summer home. My Mom passed in 2003, Dad 2012, and brother Chuck 2023. Prayers for peace, comfort, and understanding in the days ahead. Fondly, Angela

I have fond memories of Julie and me growing up with the Simpson girls, and , then, our parents became friends. Good times!

I am so grateful for every memory we’ve shared. Your kindness, your laughter, and the love you’ve always shown our family mean more than words can say.

My favorite memories are visiting you at the farm, picking blueberries, and rocking on the swing in the yard. Those simple moments of quiet and nature will always stay with me. Even though I haven't been able to spend the time I wish I could with you, I will always appreciate the role you’ve played in our family and the memories we have together.

I hope you feel surrounded by love and peace. I love you so much, Grandiddy. We are thinking about you and sending lots of love.

I enjoyed my visits with him and have on vacation shared a 4:00 beer. He will be missed. Love to him and his family

Dear Grandiddy,

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I love you. I am so grateful for every memory we’ve shared. Your kindness, your laughter, and the love you’ve always shown our family mean more than words can say.

My favorite memories are visiting you at the farm, picking blueberries, and rocking on the swing in the yard. Those simple moments of quiet and nature will always stay with me. Even though I haven't been able to spend the time I wish I could with you, I will always appreciate the role you’ve played in our family and the memories we have together.

I hope you feel surrounded by love and peace. I love you so much, Grandiddy. We are thinking about you and sending lots of love.

Love You!

In no particular order, following are just a few of the "impactful situations" I experienced as a young boy as a result of spending time with Uncle Red.

First, and foremost his life exemplified better than anyone else I have known what it is like to live life on his own terms.  Most people live their entire lives afraid to be themselves because they are so concerned what others with think.  Not Uncle Red.  He brought a refreshing genuineness that I have never seen in anyone else.  He truly demonstrated what it was like to be true to yourself.

I remember being impressed beyond belief at so many things during our visits to the farm, like when he told me that he had replaced the engine and transmission in one of the Fords, using the same tone someone would use to tell me they just brushed their teeth!  No big deal; replace a V8 with an I6, and change from an automatic to a manual.

I remember him coming to New York when my parents bought the "Kit Home" and had it delivered to our prpperty at Springwater.  He showed my dad how to  do one of each task that was needed to build an entire home from a kit.  His level of knowledge about virtually everything just blew me away.  And I can guarantee that place would have never been completed if not for his help.

I remember being in awe as he told me how upset he was with Bill Gates/Microsoft because they refused to listen to him regarding the continuous changes/updates to their programming and how each time the updates rendered things done in previous versions unusable.  I remember thinking, how could this older man have such an in-depth knowledge of computers and computer language?  This was brand new stuff, and I thought that like most people his age, he should barely be aware that computers were even a thing, and yet he knew more about them than anyone I knew.

The visits to the farm and learning about "real" life also greatly broadened my understanding of the world.  From his education regarding farming tobacco, to his perspective on life, death, and how everything really worked. The city home was another example of his unique creativity.  I wouldn't have imagined it even possible to enclose portions of a house with glass to improve its energy efficiency and allow for windows to be open during the winter.  Also how he plumbed the house so hot water from the fireplace would be circulated around the home to help heat it.  These types of things were so outside of my reality it really showed me how to not limit myself by conventions.

These are just a few of the multitue of memories I have from Uncle Red.  He opened my eyes to things in ways no one else could have, and for that I am greatful.  I am a better person for knowing him.

Hi Grandiddy,

It’s been too long since we saw each other and I’m having trouble finding the words to say what I want to say. Growing up I always remember coming to visit you. I have always admired your kindness and capacity to care for everyone. 

As a kid, I would come visit you and be so excited to show you my toys and games and you were always so genuinely happy to listen to me and talk to me. There was never any doubt in my mind how much you loved and cared for all of us. For so long you’ve been a rock for everyone. 

Although I wish we had more, I want you to know how thankful I am for the time that we spent together and I hope one day I can be as good of a man as you are. Sending you all my love and enduring gratitude.