Robert Santiago Portillos
August 4 1938 – December 31 2023
On December 31, 2023, with his wife Louise, daughter Lois, and son Greg by his side, he peacefully and quietly passed to Heaven.
Robert was born on August 4, 1938, in Springer New Mexico to his mother Lugarda Portillos and his father Jose Portillos.
Robert lived a life of public service, and worked for 35 years for the State of New Mexico. He started at the New Mexico Boy’s School business office and rose to a Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Youth Authority. Robert also proudly served in the New Mexico Army National Guard for 36 years retiring, as a Command Sergeant Major. Robert was a pillar in the community of Springer and northeastern New Mexico. He worked for the Springer, Wagon Mound, Cimarron, and Maxwell Housing Authorities and he was able to get funding and remodel many housing units. He served on the Springer School Board, and he wrote grants and received funding to upgrade the St. Joseph Parish, and he worked with the Legislature and received funding to build a new Health Clinic and Assisted Living facility in Springer. Robert advocated for the less fortunate and unjustly treated and he mentored and helped many people throughout his life.
Robert loved spending time with his family, taking care of his dogs, going to and watching the Dallas Cowboys games, fishing at Eagle Nest Lake, fly fishing at the San Juan River, and eating with family and friends at his favorite restaurants.
Robert is survived by his wife Louise Portillos and his children and their spouses: Lois and Ralph Romero, Greg Portillos, stepchildren and their spouses: Frank and Bao Cruz, Shawn and Jan Fernandez, Tamara and James Grayson, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Alexia Greenwood and Mark Greenwood, Gavin Greenwood, Layla Greenwood, Jillian Greenwood, Aryiah Grayson, Aryana Grayson, James Grayson III, and numerous nieces, nephews. He is also survived by his brothers Gilbert Portillos and George Gonzales.
Recitation of the most Holy Rosary will be on March 8, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 10 a.m. recited by Connie Chavez. followed by the Solemn Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Fr. Trieu and Fr. Emmanuel as Celebrants. A Graveside and Full Military services for Robert will take place on March 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Angel Fire Veterans Cemetery.
To celebrate the life of Mr. Robert Portillos, the family invites sending memorial donations to the University of New Mexico’s Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Head and Neck Cancer Research Fund. Gifts can be made — noting in memory of Mr. Robert Portillos —online, or by check payable to UNM Foundation sent to UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, Development Office, MSC07 4025, 1201 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001. Donations can also be made by phone calling Kathryn Shelburne at 505-272-9887.
Arrangements for Robert Santiago Portillos are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
