Portia DeGast
April 8, 1955 ~ July 24, 2020
DeGast, Portia (nee: Carfora), age 65 of Fort Lee, on July 24, 2020. Beloved wife to Peter DeGast. Loving mother to Robert DeGast, Darlene Morales and her husband Eddie. Proud grandmother to Liliana Morales. Cherished sister to Irene Corbin and her husband Donald, and Darlene Murray and her husband Michael. Devoted aunt to numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Predeceased by her loving parents Assunta “Susan” (nee: D’Alessandro) and Frank Carfora.
Born in Jersey City on April 8, 1955, Portia was raised in Fort Lee. Portia attended Madonna Schools in Fort Lee and graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in West New York. When she earned her business degree from Fairleigh Dickenson University, Portia became the first person in her family to earn a 4-year college degree.
Portia worked for the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) in Larchmont, NY since 1970 when her parents first purchased the store where she started as a hostess and later as Franchisee/Owner of the IHOP after her parents’ death. In 1972, Portia met her future husband – Peter DeGast of Mamaroneck, NY – who was then a dishwasher. Portia and her family would own four IHOPs in the Tri-State area – Larchmont, Englewood, Union City, and Piscataway.
Portia was committed to her community – both in Fort Lee and in each of the towns where her family businesses were located. Most recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Portia and her family donated food and services to essential workers, churches, and shelters.
The only thing Portia loved more than her family was a good, well-timed joke. Known for her pranks, quick wit, and irreverent cracks, Portia loved to keep people laughing even in the toughest of times. We all miss her sense of humor today.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating in Portia’s name to the Columbia Presbyterian Cardiac Unit, whose doctors gave us more time with Portia and made her comfortable to her last breath. We can never thank them enough for the gifts of time and comfort.
The family will receive their friends on Tuesday 3-7 PM at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home 327 Main Street “opposite the Fort Lee Library”. The funeral will leave Wednesday at 10:30 AM for the celebration of her funeral mass in Main Madonna RC Church at 11:00 AM. For condolences, directions, or information call (201) 944-0100 or www.frankpatti.com
Services
Funeral Mass: July 29, 2020 11:00 am - July 28, 2020 11:45 am
Visitation: July 28, 2020 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Frank A. Patti Funeral Directors
327 Main Street
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Interment: July 29, 2020 12:30 pm - 12:45 pm
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Portia went all through Madonna school with me. She was always one of the kindest girls,who always was kind to me, and never tolerated any "mean kid"behavior. Always had a smile
I worked for the Caforas back in the 70’s for several years, it been years since I have seen Portia but she was a very sweet soul. And she ALWAYS had a smile on her face, a beautiful smile.
RIP sweat Portia
I haven’t seen my cousin in quite a few years but I remember every time we did get together she had everyone laughing. There was always good food and good laughs whenever my sisters and I visited her. She was a loving, giving soul and will be missed and remembered by all who knew her. My deepest condolences to her family. Love cousin Kathy
/Judy
IAM SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF A WONDERFUL SISTER,SHE SURE WAS AN ANGEL,I PRAY THAT YOU FIND SOMEWHAT OF COMFORT AT THIS TIME ,HEAVEN GAINED AN ANGEL FOR SURE,SHE IS NOW PAIN FREE AND WELCOMED BY ALL OF HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND WE TOO WILL JOIN HER WHEN OUR GOOD LORD WANTS US. STAY STRONG AS PORTIA WOULD WANT AND THINK OF ALL THE GREAT TIMES ALL OF YOU HAD AND THERE SURE IS ALOT. PEACE!!!!!
To all Portias family I’m so sad that my cousin had to leave us I wish I could of had just one more visit. Just one more belly laugh the kind that made us tear up and our cheeks hurt just one more hug just one more memory there is never enough time there is never enough laughs or hugs that’s the sad part. I will miss you my forever cousin love ya R I P sweet girl
Love cousin mare Longstreet
My heart goes out to Portia's family. Beloved Portia will be sorely missed.
We all are saddened and heartbroken about the death of our smart caring beautiful cousin Portia. Thinking of all of you today and wishing we were there to give you all a big hug and support, know that we are there in spirit. We will cherish all the great memories we have of Portia, cousin lunches, family parties and dinners, fun times, laughing so hard until we cried! She had a big heart and touched the lives of so many people. She was loved by all! She suffered for such a long time. We had hoped to get together while she was in Florida but she was having some bad days and then the Covid shutdown. We are comforted now knowing she is free of pain and is at peace with our love ones in heaven! Cousin Portia, you will forever be in our hearts. We will always remember your beautiful smile, the fun times, laughter, good conversations and great food!