Jerome Aleck Portnoy

Jerome was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, to James & Linda (Henn) Portnoy on January 27, 1982. After Jerome graduated from Appleton North High School in 2000, he went on to study Residential Building at Fox Valley Technical College. Jerome’s love for construction, which was passed down from his father, continued to flourish and lead him to enroll in the Carpenter Apprenticeship program through the Local Union 955. During and after his apprenticeship, he worked first for Boldt and then CR Meyer. After a 13-month project in South Carolina, he decided to return to Wisconsin and get his Construction Management degree from UW-Stout. He graduated with honors and in record time. His career in construction led him all around the country where he developed lifelong relationships. He was devoted to the servant leadership methodology and always pushed people to be their best selves while pulling a prank or two along the way to keep the mood light. Even when he was no longer able to go into work, he would check in on others and ask them if “It was a great day to build”.

Jerome loved spending time outdoors. He enjoyed being in the woods up north at his parents in Tigerton which included riding the four-wheeler, cleaning up the trails, cutting boughs, and deer hunting just to name a few. He would talk fondly about the memories of time spent there as kids and later as young adults. Later in life, after moving back to South Carolina for the third time and building their house, he enjoyed working with the blank slate that a new home provided and took pride in the beautiful yard he transformed it into.

Jerome enjoyed traveling with friends and family. As much as he appreciated trips for himself, he cherished the time that he spent with those that he loved and sharing the wonders of other places and cultures with them. The last trip that he was able to take, with his wife and son, was to Mexico in June 2023. It was their 14th trip together as a couple and 3rd as a family of 3 with Mason. He was so happy to have the opportunity to take time to relax and spend time together as a family and was looking forward to future trips before his diagnosis.

Jerome had the biggest heart and loved people. Even when he was hurting badly himself, he would always check in on everyone else and make sure they were doing ok. He would always say it is all about people and the connections that you make with them. In his short 42 years, he has left a lasting impact on all of those that were lucky enough to cross paths with him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. His wish was that his legacy would live on, even though he was taken from us too soon.

Jerome is survived by his wife of 16 years, Megan; loving son, Mason; parents, James & Linda Portnoy; sisters, Anne Portnoy & Sarah (Jordon) Kejr; aunt, Leisa (Andy) Wells; parents-in-law, David & Kay McHugh; sisters-in-law, Heather (Joe) Marten & Andrea (Kevin) Schneider; and nieces and nephews, Hailey & Alexah Kejr, Paige & Ty Marten, and McHugh, Lucy, & Lincoln Schneider, as well as many other cousins and caring friends.

Jerome is preceded in death by his grandparents, Aleck & Adeline Portnoy, and Jerome & Gladys Henn; aunts, Barbara Cornelius, Beverlee Clauson, Beverly Portnoy, & Rose Mary Thompson; niece, Canon Reeves; and best fur friends, Cleo & Dixie.

The family would like to invite friends of Jerome to share stories and memories at one or both celebration of life gatherings that will be hosted to honor him. The first will be held on August 17th from 2pm- 6pm at their home in Aiken, SC, and the second will be held on August 24th from 2pm- 8pm at The Bar of Appleton - The Avenue - Upper Level, in Appleton, WI.

We would like to thank everyone for all the love and support that they have shown our family through this battle. Jerome was loved by so many, and we are truly thankful to each and every one who reached out during this journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made through the gofundme page for Mason’s future educational needs.