Appreciation
It was a moving decision for all the members of the Pathology Department to congregate and say good-bye to a lovable colleague at the beginning of his funeral from the Mortuary to the religious services last month. Dr Portelli had worked for many years in the Department and was considered one of the founders of the modern hospital labs.
Dr. Alfred Portelli in fact contributed extensively to the development of the Virology department as it functioning now. These were difficult times, and Dr Portelli moved from Bacteriology where he started, to embark on a journey that over the years developed the Virology department that is so active in the current Covid-19 pandemic. His studies in Virology and Bacteriology at Birmingham and London were very useful in this regard. In conjunction with Dr Roy Schembri Wismayer and Professor Paul Cuschieri the foundations were laid under the guidance of Dr Emmanuel Agius.
Dr. Portelli was a committed scientist and is sorely missed. His presence among those who knew him and who worked with him was verysalutary and the joint contribution of the team established an important tradition in the main medical laboratory serving the Maltese. His interest to promote science and mutual support among colleagues was best demonstrated in him being one of the founder members of the Malta College of Pathologists.
As an individual Dr Portelli was a very loveable person, a good family man and a good team player. He is sorely missed by his family and friends. He remains an
inspiring beacon for all the Mater Dei scientists and medical doctors who seek
to continue to the service traditions he was so much committed to.
May he now rest in peace.