Phillip Rey Portugal

Phillip Rey Portugal, affectionately known as "Sluggo," passed away on March 15,2024, in Lancaster, California. He was born in East Los Angeles, California, on February 24, 1958. Phillip's life journey led him through various cities like Norwalk, Whittier, La Mirada, and Yuma, Arizona, but he eventually settled in Lancaster. Phillip's first love and marriage was to Maria Bulkowski in Norwalk, CA from 1979 to 1986. He would later engage into his second marriage to Verna Mandell from 1989 ending in the early 1990's.

 From his early years working odd jobs to his later focus on home improvements, Phillip's dedication and craftsmanship were evident in everything he did. He found joy in nurturing nature and caring for animals. His love for pets and gardens filled his days with meaning and purpose.

Phillip had a great love for animals and nature. He would often be found caring for pets, while creating nature settings and tending to gardens. He enjoyed visiting parks, walks, a great conversation and a great cup of coffee. At times you would find Phil sipping alone and taking in the morning dew. He liked watching sports and was very physical himself. In his younger days he stayed active by playing games like high ball and frisbee golf. He had an unknown but life passion for writing and music. He spent his early years poem and songwriting and driving out to Hollywood's Capital records with hopes of getting his songs heard. His love for writing would follow through up to his departure as he has left behind many daily notes, inspirational quotes, devotions, and scriptures. He loved people, even if they were strangers. He kept in touch with as many people as possible, such as his siblings. He made friends wherever went. 

Phillip was a very empathic individual. He always cared for others and what they were going through. He was often there to be a helping hand. He adored his family and friends and loved spending time with them and building beautiful memories with them. He was very involved with the church. As we know the last church, he was a part of, Lancaster united Methodist church, he became very close with and they became his Christian family. He developed a strong relationship with the lord, he read his bible every day, and he considered himself to be a prayer warrior and he truly was. He did not care what one’s status was in life, he looked at the heart of the individual. He found himself making friends with people of every walk of life, talking with them about the lord, and praying with them. For him it was important to save as many people as possible, so that they could also feel God's love the way he did. Like he said " The Journey Is the Destination"  

Phillip is survived by his loving children Athena & Alisha Portugal, grandchildren Mya Laurent, Anthony Portugal, David Oporto, Joseph Oporto, Zeek, Symphony, Pixie, and Oceana Portugal; great-grandchildren Dominic & Lilah Oporto; Seth and Ezekiel Portugal; as well as siblings Anita Aguilera, Nancy Gonzales, Christine Brown, and Gina Whelan.