Julius J. Portnow, 95, of Great Neck, died of pneumonia on March 27, 2007. Businessman and co-owner of Portnow Surgical in New York City, and president of J. Portnow Ortho Health Products, Portnow's civic involvements and interests spanned the arts, politics and education. A lifelong learner, Portnow received his B.S. from City College of NY in 1935, a certificate in bird biology from the Laboratory of Ornithology of Cornell University in 1978 and held an advanced degree in naturopathy. He was a substitute teacher in the NYC Continuation High Schools, working with adolescents who had a history of school difficulties.

Julius J. Portnow

For over 10 years, Portnow was the public relations director for the Lyman Langdon Audubon Society. In 1988 he founded their Speakers Bureau of naturalists, ornithologists and environmentalists. He was one of the most highly sought after speakers. An inveterate and published letter writer, Portnow weighed in on politics, environmental and social issues in local and national newspapers. He was also the author of several published essays on immigrant life as a NYC lower east side child as well as essays on environmental topics and interpersonal relationships.

As a young man Portnow studied painting in NYC at the Arts Students League. Working in oil, watercolor and pastels his paintings captured the lyricism, activity and energy of NY cityscapes and street life. He was also active in the Nassau Democratic Party.

He is survived by his two daughters, Professor Marjorie Portnow, landscape artist; Dr. Kathryn Portnow, psychologist; his sister Ruth Capp; and his long-time companion Dr. Jacqueline Rose Hott. His wit, imagination and creativity will long be with us. Memorial donations may be sent in his memory to World Wildlife Fund, PO Box #97180, 1250 Twenty-fourth St. NW, Washington, DC 20090.

A memorial service will be held on May 20 at the Rose Gallery, 200 E. 58th St., New York City, from 3 to 6 p.m.