Francis M. Portland, 72, of Pottsville, passed away Tuesday at Lehigh Valley Medical Center, Allentown.
Francis was born in Pottsville, Sept. 26, 1943, a son of the late Francis J. and Mildred E. Thomas Portland.
He was a 1961 graduate of Pottsville High School and continued his education at West Chester University, graduating in 1965 with a bachelor of science degree in music.
He started his musical career at the age of 13 at St. James Episcopal Church, Schuylkill Haven. While attending Pottsville Area High School, he began his studies on the organ with Dr. Arthur L. Delpaz. At West Chester College, he studied organ with Dr. Harry Wilkinson and the late Arthur Jones. He served as organist for the Reading Choral Society.
He retired from Pottsville Area High School as a music teacher. He was the director of music and organist at the First United Methodist Church, Pottsville, for more than 40 years.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Pottsville, a life member of Yorkville Hose Company, The Saint David's Society, and was a member of the Christian Arts Incorporated, Lehigh County, as a cast member.
Francis is survived by his sister, Lucy M. Portland, and brother, Albert R. Portland, husband of Karen, all of Pottsville; a niece, Holly MacLea, wife of Kyle, Madbury, N.H.; nephew, Adrian Portland, husband of Erin, Saint Clair; twin great-niece and great-nephew, Annabelle and Duncan MacLea; great-nephew, Emmet Portland.
A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church, Pottsville, with the Rev. John Wallace and the Rev. Glen Esler officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to First United Methodist Church, Fourth and West Market streets, Pottsville, PA 17901. Interment will be conducted at the convenience of the family at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.