MARVIN AARON PORTNOY

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Marvin Aaron Portnoy, 100, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed peacefully on Saturday, September 3, 2022. He is survived by his wife Shirley (Hecht), his son Jay Portnoy and daughter-in-law Deborah (Ungerleider) Portnoy, his daughter Joanne Portnoy, and his grandchildren Noah and Rachel. He was a devoted brother to the late Roslyn (Portnoy) Siegal.

Born in Worcester on December 1, 1921 to Jenny and David Portnoy, Marvin grew up in Dorchester. After graduating from Roxbury Memorial High School, he entered the Air Force division of the U.S. Army in 1943 during WWII, where he served as a cryptographer in the Pacific theater until his honorable discharge in 1946. A Bentley College alumnus, Marvin applied his business skills at the Watertown Arsenal and as a partner and general manager of Bostonian Luggage Company. Thereafter, he went on to run his own successful accounting practice, serving small businesses around metropolitan Boston, for over 30 years until his retirement.

Marvin and his wife Shirley built a strong, lifelong partnership of 73 years. Together, they lovingly raised two children in Newton and cultivated a large circle of lifelong friends with whom they enjoyed a vibrant social life. He cherished his children and grandchildren. Marvin was also very proud of his large extended family who brought him great joy. When they retired to Florida, Marvin and Shirley continued to remain close to family and friends. More recently they returned to their Newton home.

Marvin will be remembered for the kindness, respect, warmth, and generosity he offered to his family, friends, clients, and acquaintances. He was genuinely interested in those around him and was adored by everyone who knew him.

He loved to solve mathematical and organizational problems using his natural intelligence and logic skills. He was an avid athlete who played many sports, including softball until age 50. He was also a loyal fan of the Red Sox and Patriots.

Services will be held at the Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. Immediately after burial, family and friends are invited to the function room at his residence where Shiva will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM that evening.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marvin’s memory may be made to the Jewish Family & Children’s Service Boston, Boston Children’s Hospital, or  Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.