Gary Lee Portmess of Boynton Beach, Florida entered into eternal rest on Thursday, November 9, 2023. Several family members were by his side when he passed, including his wife of 60 years Judith M. Portmess, his daughter Lisa Van Ness and her husband Thad Van Ness, his son Gary L. Portmess, Jr. and wife Nicole Friedman-Portmess, and his grandson Matthew R. Portmess. He also had 3 other grandchildren to cherish his memory including Elizabeth A. Focazio of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Lindsay S. Portmess and Tyler M. Portmess. Additionally, his sister "Debbie" Smith lives in his hometown of Cumberland, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his sister Linda Condry of Clarkesville, Tennessee.
He was born on July 31, 1941, in Cumberland, Maryland. Gary graduated from Fort Hill high school and attended Frostburg State College (now University) and The State University of New Jersey at Rutgers. He served in The US Army in Korea with the AFKN (Armed Forces Korea Network) where he started his career in broadcasting. He worked for several radio and television stations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Virginia and the District of Columbia. He eventually purchased WHAG AM and WQCM FM in Hagerstown, Maryland. There he served as owner/operator and worked with his wife and many loyal employees that became life-long friends. Additionally, he served as a newscaster for WHAG TV in Hagerstown in the late 1970's. Around 1986, Gary left western Maryland to live in South Florida where he lived with his wife and near his children and grandchildren.
He was a wonderful husband to Judy and they had recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They spent their time golfing and having friends and family around and were rarely seen without each other. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren who adored him very much. Although his health had declined in the past few years, the presence of his grandchildren always perked him up.The large personality which made him a successful broadcaster continued throughout his life and he brought a lot of joy to his friends and family. He will be greatly missed by all who crossed paths with him as he always had a smile and joke to tell.