Richard "Dick" W. Portrey

Richard “Dick” W. Portrey, 95, of Hillsdale, IL, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at UnityPoint Health Trinity Hospital – Rock Island, IL.  A private graveside service will be held at St. Anthony Cemetery, Atkinson, IL. Memorials may be made to Quad City Animal Shelter, in Milan, IL. Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Dick was born on October 2, 1924, in Horton, KS, the son of Joseph and Eva (Stansbarger) Nicholas. He and his wife, Rita, were married on December 18, 1947. After 67 years of marriage, Rita passed away in November 2014.  Dick was a graduate of Hadley Technical High School in St. Louis. He entered the US Navy and attended Naval school to become proficient in electronics and electrical systems. He served four years in WWII, and two years in the Korean War. His tours included service in Africa, Italy, Sicily, and southern France. He had achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer by the time he left the service. He worked for Alcoa for 32 years in maintenance and engineering.

He was a gun collector and was interested in Lugers and Berettas, and he loaded his own ammunition. Dick participated in competitive target shooting and was active in the Postal League, which was a shooting club. He also shot rifles, pistols, and archery at a club in Morrison, IL.

Dick is survived by his son, Michael (Shirley) Portrey, of Port Byron, IL.

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents.  Please share a message with Dick’s family at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com