Dr. Daniel Nelson Portelles, (Papa), 82, entered into the joy of his eternal peace and freedom on Saturday, May 2 at 11:12 PM at Cornerstone Hospice House in Clermont, Florida. In life and in death he was surrounded by the love of his family.

Daniel was born on March 16, 1944, in Tampa Florida to Evencio and Esther (Gershman) Portelles. He spent his childhood in Brooklyn, NY where he eventually graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. It was during this season that he met his one and only true love at the Waldorf Astoria, and they eventually married on Nov 20,1966. He continued on to Brooklyn College where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Education. His passion for excellence & learning continued at NYU, where he earned his Masters of Arts in Supervision of Teachers of English as a Second Language. He also eventually received his PhD in Educational Administration and Supervision, while raising his young family. He began his career in education as a High School Spanish teacher and soon became one of the youngest principals in the NYC public school system at just 28 years old. The way in which Daniel served his students and staff with wholehearted love and unwavering devotion, was surpassed only by the way he faithfully loved and served his family. Danny was a lover of music, but Latin music was a passion! For a season he managed a Latin Band, Orchestra Deejay. He pursued some quiet hobbies as well. He loved coin & stamp collecting, fishing with his sons, traveling with his family, especially his bride. His vision was always to invest in things that would outlive him.
He was a man of peace and had a generational mindset. Danny lived intentionally, creating a culture in his family of faith and resilience. He was faithful to serve the Lord in his daily life, and at home. He faithfully served his church & community, teaching the Bible, visiting the sick, creating space for relationships and community. He was a member of The Gideons International, and served on foreign mission trips. In his home and community his gift of hospitality was clearly evident.

Daniel is survived by his bride and the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Maria Teresa (Rivera) Portelles, his children David (Anne) Portelles, Elaine (Jay) DuSold, Edward (GIna) Portelles, his grandchildren David (Evelyn) Portelles, Gabriella (Austin) Portelles-Lerch, Isabella (Elliott II) Bennett, Justyn DuSold, Jason DuSold, Eddie, Olivia and Giovanna Portelles. He is blessed with 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved brother, Herb Portelles of Staten Island, NY, along with countless dearly loved family members, nieces and nephews, and those who have come to cherish him as their Papa.