Obituaries

Kenneth “Kenny” Portalatin, age 56, of West Scranton, passed away Sunday morning at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton, after a courageous decade-long battle with illness. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Kathy (Maro) Portalatin. The couple would have celebrated their 13th anniversary on June 23rd.
A Queens, N.Y. native, Kenny was born on April 25, 1964 to the late Irving, Sr., and Lydia (Ruiz) Portalatin. He settled in Scranton over 25 years ago, first working for Schiff’s where he would eventually meet his beloved wife. A “jack of all trades” with a tireless work ethic, he began his carpentry business before working for Kathy’s landscaping business where he left a lasting and loving impression on the young workers.
Kenny will long be remembered for his easy-going nature. Kind, caring and selfless, he would be the first to help someone in need. He will certainly never be forgotten by family and friends.
Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a member of St. Patrick’s Parish in West Scranton.
He is also survived by three children, Jeremy Lutz of Scranton, Ricky DeJesus of FL and Melissa Hornlein of Wilkes Barre; three grandchildren, Isabella, Christopher and Samantha; five siblings, Irving “Papo” Portalatin of FL, Richie and Frank Portalatin, both of DE, Lena Rivera of FL and Debbie Portalatin of NY; and many nieces and nephews.
A blessing service by Rev. Richard Fox is scheduled for Thursday at 10:00AM in the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with burial to follow at the Cathedral Cemetery. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday between 5-7:00 PM at the funeral home.