Barbara Diana Portello, age 86, passed away on May 10, 2026.  Diana was a loving Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, and devoted to the Virgin Mary.  Ironically, she passed on Mother’s Day to be at peace with God.

Mrs. Portello was born on January 31, 1940 in New York City.  She grew up in Manhattan and the Bronx.  At age 16 she vacationed for the summer in Italy, meeting her future husband, Luigi.  They corresponded through letters from across the ocean until they married in 1960.  She worked in sales and support positions, as a law firm receptionist, and finally as a school lunch aide.  She especially adored children, and loved cooking for her family.  She was a long-time member of the Altar Rosary Society, and her Pumpkin Breads at Christmas and Bake Sales were legendary.

Daughter of the late Frank and Lena Pavan, and wife of the late Luigi Portello for 56 years,  Diana is survived by her three children and their spouses, Robert Portello, Richard and Kim Portello, and Lori and Michael Tyger; her sister, Elda Zamparo, and her  sister-in-law, MariaRosa Oggiano.  She is also survived by a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and their families; as well as many extended family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Church of Saint Ann located at 1253 Lawrenceville Road. Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Entombment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum located at 1200 Cedar Lane. Hamilton, NJ.

The visitation for Barbara will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM  at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Diana’s name may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation.