NATICK: Donald A. Porter of Natick, 79, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, April 10, 2017, at Metrowest Hospital in Framingham, following complications from a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
The devoted husband of almost 60 years of Rita D. Porter, the couple was married in Boston on July 8, 1958 and made their home in Natick for the last 48 years, during which time Mr. Porter was an active and well-known member of the community, including coaching hockey for the Natick Comets.
Born in Boston on January 21, 1938, he was the son of the late Everett and Mary (Curley) Porter and graduated from Roxbury Memorial High School. Having earned all of his credits, he left before graduation to join the U.S. Coast Guard and returned to receive his diploma. A graduate of the Advanced Gunner’s Mate School in Groton, CT, he earned the rank of Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class before being honorably discharged in 1958 with a Good Conduct Medal. He transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves, which he served until January 1963.
Mr. Porter was a 37 year employee of United Parcel Service of America (UPS) and a proud member of the Teamsters’ Union Local #170, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Natick Elks.
Retiring in 1997, he turned his time to his family and his love of sports. An avid golfer, he also enjoyed bowling and shooting pool and was a loyal fan of the Bruins, Red Sox and the New England Patriots.
Attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and family vacations on Cape Cod were an important part of his retirement years, as was completing the daily The Boston Globe crossword puzzle.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Donald A. Porter Jr. and his wife Dianna of Virginia; Robert G. Porter and his wife Judy of Framingham; two daughters, Cynthia J. Nicoli of Natick and Ann M. Sullivan and her husband Paul of Framingham; nine grandchildren, Derek D. Porter, Kristin M. Menc, Christopher R. Chickering, Jacquelyn A. Nicoli, Robert G. Porter Jr., Daniel G. Porter, James A. Nicoli, Brenna A. Sullivan and Ava M. Sullivan and eight great-grandchildren, Jerome, Benjamin, Ella, Sean, Kaelyn, Cadence, Lalaya and Emelia.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Thomas Porter, and siblings, John C. Porter, Robert Porter, and Arlene Robare.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Monday, April 17, from 5 to 8 pm, at the Everett Funeral Home, 4 Park St., Natick, with funeral services on Tuesday, April 18th, at 11:30 AM, at St. Patrick’s Church, 44 E. Central St., Natick, with interment to follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Natick.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Porter’s memory to: The Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/NH Chapter, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.