Leo Angelo Portale

He was born January 20, 1939 to parents Angelo and Alice (nee Nault) Portale in Ishpeming, MI.

Leo literally married the girl next door Constance “Connie” (nee LeSage) in 1961 and moved to Clinton Township, MI where they remained until 2016. He was a beloved math and physics teacher at L’Anse Creuse High School North for 39 years prior to retiring in 2000. Leo was the Math Department Head for almost his entire career, an education innovator, a Driver’s Ed instructor, a co-author of two math textbooks and a proud Teacher of the Year. He especially enjoyed teaching several generations of the same family and long into his retirement would often hear from the former students he inspired.

Leo was an avid golfer and enjoyed camping, swimming, and traveling with his family. He remained very active in his retirement even after being stricken with Alzheimer’s. Leo loved his family more than anything and had a special place in his heart for his five grandchildren. He had a warm sense of humor and a great love of life.

Leo will be forever missed by his wife Connie; children Diane (John) Prainito and Michael (Colleen) Portale; grandchildren Dana Prainito, Lauren (Joshua) Hofmann, Allison Prainito, Andrew (Chelsea) Portale and Ashley Portale; brothers David (Irene) Portale and Keith (Clare) Portale. He was preceded in death by his parents Angelo and Alice (nee Nault) Portale and his sister Laurel Portale.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be forwarded to the Alzheimer’s Association 37309 Harvest Ave., Avon, OH 44011. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Thecla Catholic Church, 20740 S. Nunneley Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48035 Friday, March 16, 2018 with visitation at 10:30 and mass at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Ishpeming Cemetery along with a Celebration of Life for family and friends in the Upper Peninsula at a date to be announced this summer.

Leo’s obituary can also be viewed at www.buschcares.com