George Manuel Porta

January 26, 1937 – May 4, 2026

Written by his sons

George Manuel Porta, age 89, passed away on May 4, 2026. He was born on January 26, 1937, in Havana, Cuba, to Betha Balbona. With little more than determination, resilience, and hope, George and his mother immigrated to the United States, beginning the long and difficult work of building a life—and eventually multiple family businesses—from the ground up.

They settled in Miami, Florida, where George attended Robert E. Lee Middle School and graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1956. From an early age, he demonstrated a relentless work ethic and an eagerness to learn skills that created opportunity, independence, and self reliance.

In 1958, motivated by a love of aviation and a desire to serve his adopted country, George enlisted in the United States Air Force. Stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, he served as an aircraft radio operator and electronics technician. During the Vietnam War era, he guided unmanned target drones used for pilot training and recorded rocket accuracy during live fire exercises—critical work at a time when weapons systems relied entirely on manual aiming and radio telemetry. After four years, he was honorably discharged, having served with dedication and professionalism.

Following his military service, George participated in some of America’s most historic achievements. He worked for RCA at Cape Kennedy Air Force Base as a subcontractor supporting the Apollo space program. His assignments included service aboard tracking ships stationed in the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Manned Space Flight Network, helping to support early manned spaceflight missions.

Aviation remained a defining part of George’s life. Over more than 30 years, he logged over 480 flight hours, flying purely for enjoyment. In 2003, at the age of 65, he joined the Civil Air Patrol, where he served in search and rescue missions, fire patrols, and other aviation operations across South Florida. He rose to the rank of Captain before concluding his flying activities around 2007.

While aviation was a lifelong passion, George’s primary career and enduring legacy were in real estate. Through real estate investing, residential property management, and homebuilding partnerships with a general contractor, he built a successful and self sustaining business in South Florida. He held licenses as a Real Estate Broker, Mortgage Broker, and Property Appraiser, and he applied these skills tirelessly to support his family—continuing to do so well beyond retirement.

George was a natural entrepreneur. There was very little he could not accomplish. When he lacked the knowledge or skill required for a new venture, he studied, practiced, and worked until he achieved proficiency—or mastery. Through discipline, determination, and long hours, he built a business that continues to this day.

On March 31, 1965, George married Lillian Francis Cole, to whom he was a devoted and caring husband until her passing in 2009. George was a devout Catholic, and his faith remained a steady presence throughout his life.

He instilled in his children a deep respect for education, self reliance, and the belief that hard work can overcome nearly any obstacle. He taught by example: work harder than most, never stop learning, and always take responsibility for building your own future.

George is survived by his sons, Paul Manuel Porta and Philip Edward Porta. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Matthew Samuel Porta, Kevin Edward Porta, and Emily Lynn Porta (children of Philip); and Aleena Lynn Porta (Ruis) and Christian Manuel Porta (children of Paul). He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren: Jonah Porta, Juniper Porta, and Autumn Porta.

George Manuel Porta will be remembered as a builder—of businesses, of skills, of opportunity, and of family. From humble beginnings, he created a life defined by perseverance, service, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in working harder than most. His legacy lives on through the company he built and the values he passed forward to his family.

In Lieu of Flowers we ask that any donations be made in his honor to the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/

Or to Blood Cancer United in order to combat Blood Cancers such as Leukemia.

https://bloodcancerunited.org/