Douglas S. Porter

It is with heavy hearts that we share, Douglas S. Porter, 80, of Vernon, CT was called home to the Lord on March 29th, passing from complications of advanced dementia. Born on May 25th, 1939 in Boston, MA, the eldest son of four boys to Douglas S. Porter Sr. & Rose Marie (Durkin) Porter. Raised in Westerly, RI, where as a young man he worked at Misquamicut beach, RI this is where he met his bride-to-be. Doug married Gail Anderson on January 18th, 1958 in Manchester, CT. Their loving union produced four children, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Doug was employed by Taylor & Fenn Co., Windsor CT for 47 years. He worked his way from the foundry floor to the front office, retiring as a foundry engineer. He was a long time, active member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Manchester, CT, where he volunteered often. As a member of the Masonic Lodge #73 AF&AM in Manchester, CT, he found a fraternal bond. Doug was also a long-time volunteer for MARCH Inc, happily manning the grill at annual picnics. Doug started donating blood as a young man and continued through much of his adult life.

Doug enjoyed camping with family along with Square-Dancing with church friends. He enjoyed fishing with his children and work friends, playing cards and board games with all. Win or lose, he always had a cheery disposition. In retirement you could find Doug engaging senior center buddies at the pool table. He will be remembered by all as a loving and gentle man with a big heart, warm smile and a kind word.

Doug was a loving husband, father and an affectionate and supportive grandfather; a jokester at heart, he always brought a smile and laugh to each of his grandchildren, from infancy to adulthood.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas Sr. & Rose Marie Porter as well as brother Bruce Porter, of Westerly, RI.

Doug is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Gail Porter; sons Jeffrey Porter of Canton, OH, Steven and Sherri Porter of Burlington, CT, Ryan and Rhonda Porter of Coventry, CT and daughter Linda Porter and husband Edward Porter of Newington, CT; brothers Kenneth Porter of Danielson, CT and Ronald and Barbara Jean Porter of Joppa, MD; his beloved grandchildren Jesse Porter & fiancé Erin Mikan, Rachael (Porter) & Taylor Sulmonetti, Aaron Porter, Amanda Porter, Kristen Porter, Cheyanna Porter-Rizza, Katrina Porter, Stasia Porter, Morgan Porter and Shane Porter, as well as his great-grandchildren Evelina and Lucille Porter. These families, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends around the country will miss him dearly.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a memorial celebration of his life will be announced later. Please stay safe, healthy, and observe social distancing in these troubling times. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of America and/or Emanuel Lutheran Church, Manchester, CT. To leave a memory or message of condolence, please visit www.holmeswatkins.com.

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