Carlos Portillo, Jr.

Carlos Portillo, Jr., 93, born on January 29, 1932, in El Paso, TX, USA, passed away peacefully at home on September 17, 2025. Carlos was born to Carlos Portillo and Consuelo Perez-Portillo.  Carlos was the eldest of five children, and left school after the ninth grade to help support his family, beginning his working life shining shoes at the city market and working as a busboy in a restaurant. 

At age 18, Carlos proudly enlisted in the United States Army.  He served wth the 82nd and 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, the Rakkasans, which means "falling umbrella" in Japanese, parachuting behind enemy lines during the Korean War. He was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart, the Army of Occupation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars for his valor. Carlos remained active throughout his life in veteran organizations, including the Rakkasans 187th Airborne, Disabled American Veterans, the United States Parachute Association, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he found lasting camaraderie.

In 1955, Carlos married Vivian Rojas, with whom he helped raise three daughters, Vivian Joanne, Mia, and Anita, who have fond memories of time spent with their dad.  Following a separation from Vivian, Carlos met and married Esperanza "Hope" Rios. This union brought together two families, with her children, Anthony, William, Theresa, and Loretta.  After meeting his soul mate, Esperanza, in 1982 and marrying on March 29, 1983, the couple's 39-year marriage was a beautiful testament to a deep, abiding love and faith. He was a devoted member and usher at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church in La Puente, California. They were also active members in the La Puente Senior Center and enjoyed attending the many functions and dances over the years. He also loved traveling with Esperanza, making memories across the globe. Carlos's passion was spending time with his family and friends, as well as tending to their home and garden. Though his loss leaves a void in the lives he left behind, the family finds comfort in knowing that he is once again with his sweetheart, Esperanza, and other family members who have passed, whom he dearly missed.

Carlos enjoyed a long career in the baking industry, working for Barbara Ann and Von's in Los Angeles. He also carried his love for skydiving from the Army into civilian life, participating in competitions and exhibitions across the United States. Carlos was survived by Mia Rich (Jeff), Anita Echaniz (Dickie), Anthony Rios, Theresa Ortiz (Andy), and Loretta Praster (Joseph), grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as many extended relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and daughter Vivian Joanne Lorenz, son William Rios, and his beloved wife Esperanza. Carlos will be remembered for his courage, devotion to family, unwavering faith, and zest for adventure. His legacy of love and resilience will continue to inspire all those who knew him. 

Services will be held at Forest Lawn-Covina Hills, 21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina, California, 91724. The viewing will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Magnolia Room. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the Church of Our Heritage on the Forest Lawn grounds. 

Following the military burial, the family invites guests to a reception at the VFW Post 8620, 2328 W. Merced Avenue, West Covina, California 91790.