RICHARD G. PORTIS DIED ON OCT. 8, 2025. HE WAS 81.

by Renee P. Aldrich

For New Pittsburgh Courier

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned exclusively that Richard G. Portis, a local business executive, mentor and advocate for Veterans’ entrepreneurship, has died.

He was 81.

The trajectory of Portis’ life took him from the projects of Glen Hazel, where he graduated from Gladstone High School, to Point Park University, to the United States Army, attaining the rank of Sergeant E-5 Administrative Specialist and becoming the recipient of both the National Defense Service and Vietnam Service Medals with two Bronze Stars. He also became the founder and president of his own company, 21st Century Industries, where he provided problem-solving strategies and creative solutions for growth to government, corporate and non-profit entities.

HONOREE—Renee Aldrich, presenter, with Richard Portis and Valorie Ward. Courier File

Portis, who died on Oct. 8, was also a certified business coach and administrator. He managed and facilitated the Kaufmann Foundation’s FasTrac Entrepreneurship training program for over 500 veterans and others seeking to start, launch and grow businesses.

Portis had a consuming passion for the support and success of veterans. And while he would go on to amass numerous accomplishments, there were two notable achievements; his role in helping to establish the Veterans Entrepreneurial Training Project (VETP) for Robert Morris University in conjunction with the Small Business Association (SBA), a program he led for 12 years, and for which he was recognized by the SBA with the Regional Veteran Small Business Champion Award in 2006; and being appointed as project consultant to the Western Pennsylvania Maglev Development Corporation.

Portis also was appointed to establish the first Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) program in Western Pennsylvania, headquartered in McKeesport. According to Portis’ obituary, he was also appointed by Rev. Dr. Leon Sullivan, founder of OIC, to lead the Miami Dade OIC in Florida, where he served the community in many capacities.

Along with the many hats he wore, caring for and contributing to community remained a top priority for him. As such, he held offices within the NAACP Pittsburgh Branch, and was the guiding force in Pittsburgh landing the NAACP National Conference, held in July 1997.

Portis served as an advisor and administrator in both the Pittsburgh Black Business Directory and Renaissance Publications, and played an integral role in establishing the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pa.

According to his obituary, Portis was a lifelong member of Park Place AME Church, a founding leader of Park Place Ministries and The Legacy Fund, President of the Lay Organization, and organizer of the church’s annual Veterans Memorial Observance. Portis also was an avid tennis player.

Many referred to Portis as a bright light within the Pittsburgh community and beyond, serving as mentor, counselor and friend. He was intrinsically bonded to his three sisters and two brothers who passed before him, and held them close. He was blessed especially by his sister, Connie, who had been his faithful caregiver over the last few years of his illness.

According to Portis’ obituary, he is survived by his sisters, Priscilla Burgess, Marsha Mozley Wheeler and Constance “Connie” Portis, “as well as nieces and nephews who all carry forward the lessons and love ‘Uncle Richard’ shared so freely.”

The obituary also noted the lifelong friendship between Portis and George “Sluggo” Hollis.

“Richard’s legacy endures through the countless lives he touched,” his obituary read, “with his leadership, generosity, faith and humor.”

(The viewing for Richard G. Portis was, Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 2720 Webster Ave., Hill District. The homegoing service will be held, Thursday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m., at Bethel. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Park Place Ministries, 315 E. 10th Ave., Homestead, Pa., 15120, or RGP VETS, POISE FOUNDATION, 603 Stanwix St., Suite 1700, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15222.)