Robert Sanchez Portillo

Robert S. Portillo, 89, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024 at his residence in Fremont, CA surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 26, 1935 in Mesa, Arizona to Angel and Rosalva Portillo. He was a long time Fremont resident of 52 years. He met and married the love of his life RoseMarie Mendoza. They were happily married for 69 years.

Robert attended Arizona State University where he graduated in 1957 with his Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He continued his education by getting his master’s degree in public administration from Cal State Fullerton in 1968. Robert worked as Special Assistant to the President in Affirmative Action at Cal State East Bay until his retirement in 1996.

He was a member of many clubs such as Hispanic Community Affairs Council, League of United Latin American Citizens and Personnel Management Association of Aztlan. He served as a liaison between government and local communities in establishing and improving education and employment opportunities for minority groups.

His fight for social equity helped us understand the values of advocacy and compromise. We are forever grateful for his support in our athletic and educational pursuits. His guidance around life and world lessons are something we will never forget.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, RoseMarie; his daughters, Diana Antolin, Teresa Portillo, Susan Portillo and Angela Thayer; his sons, Gregory Portillo and Vincent Portillo; his sister, Rebecca A. Wilder; 13 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren.

A rosary will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 6 PM at Berge Pappas Smith Chapel of the Angels, 40842 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Josephs Parish, 43148 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539 with a burial to follow at Irvington Memorial Cemetery, 41001 Chapel Way, Fremont, CA 94538. A catered reception will immediately follow.