Daniel Portales

Daniel Portales, Sr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 22, 2021. He was born in Franklin, Texas to Domingo Portales (birth name Manuel Hernandez) and Delfina Marquez Narvayez Portales on July 20th, 1924.

Daniel was hired in 1940 by Texas A&M to feed Aggies at Sbisa Dining Hall. He loved his work, the staff, and the students for 42 years.

He bought a house in 1960. His mother said, "If my little bird is building a nest, he must be in search of a wife." Momma was right. From the loading dock of Sbisa, Daniel had spotted another A&M employee, Domitila Orozco, who worked across the street. Soon thereafter while attending a wedding, he was introduced to Domitila by Tano Martinez, his good friend from Sbisa who also happened to be her cousin. In 1961, Daniel married Domitila. They had three children, to whom they gave unconditional love.

Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, Domingo and Delfina Portales; his siblings Manuel Portales Sr. (Simona Perales), Antonia (Domingo Martinez), Ofelia (Felipe Cerda), Delfina (Aruleio Escamilla, Florinda (Charlie Guerra); and his beloved cat Serenata Wilson-Portales.

His only surviving sibling is Ray Portales (Barbara Meschwitz).

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Domitila Orozco Portales; daughters, Josie and Christina; son, Daniel, Jr. (Patricia Quintanilla); granddaughter, Ramzi Portales and granddaughter of his heart, Dominica De Leon (Walker Hart) and their children Deegan De Leon, Willow Hart; and, coming soon ... Baby Hart.

Daniel touched many lives. He was a longtime parishioner at Santa Teresa Catholic Church in Bryan.

He and his wife babysat more than four dozen children - over three generations in one case - to whom they were affectionately known as "Mama Tila" and "Daddy Dan". Those children, now men, will serve as his pallbearers.

Well known for his pico de gallo and chicken molé, Daniel was a quiet man, who loved to tell stories of his observations with humor and love.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm with the recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 pm on Monday, November 29, 2021 at Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 30 at Santa Teresa Catholic Church, 1212 Lucky Street, Bryan. Committal will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Bryan.

The family thanks Traditions Hospice for their superb service, advice, and support over the last several months. Instead of sending flowers, the family requests donations in Daniel's name to Brazos Valley Food Bank at bvfb.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralchapel.com for the Portales family.