Richard Porter

Jaffrey, NH Richard Porter, 89, of Jaffrey and Peterborough, died peacefully at Rivermead Health Center on February 4, 2016. Richard was born in Shrewsbury, MA on December 10, 1926 the son of Oscar Stanley Porter, Sr. and Esther Rudkin Porter. He was the youngest of three sons and a direct descendent of Walter Chamberlain Porter, who died on the Titanic after giving up his seat to a young mother and child. Richard was raised in Shrewsbury, MA and attended Andover Preparatory School. As a student at Tufts University he was a star track athlete and New England Track Champion. Upon graduation from Tufts in 1947 with a B.S.E.E. degree, Richard picked up his Naval commission and served as an Electronics Officer for three years aboard the U.S.S. Montague and U.S.S. Saipan. At one point he was given the choice of trying out for the Olympic Track Team or continuing his service in the Navy and traveling the world. He chose the latter, feeling that it was the more realistic choice. Richard worked at Raytheon for more than 30 years and became Engineering Manager of its Radar Systems group. During his career he had traveled on business many times, which included destinations such as Japan, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. After meeting his future wife, Constance (Wright) Porter in Washington DC, they moved to Chelmsford, MA where they began raising their children. They moved to Santa Barbara, CA for two years then returned to New England, living in Groton, MA. Once their children were grown, the Porters moved to Georgetown, ME to be closer to the ocean that Richard enjoyed immensely. After spending 15 years in Maine, they moved to Jaffrey, NH to be nearer to family. They resided in Jaffrey until settling at RiverMead two years ago. Richard was a master woodworker and created many beautiful period reproductions, as well as restoring and remodeling antique houses. He also found great pleasure in exploring history and had done extensive research on the Porter genealogy. In addition to his loving wife of more than 65 years, Constance Porter, Richard is survived by his children Deborah Porter-Hayes and her husband John Hayes of Hancock, NH; and Samuel Porter and his wife Kimberly Vercoe of Southborough, MA; and his granddaughter Kira Porter of Southborough, MA. Richard was predeceased by his brothers Walter Porter and Oscar Stanley Porter, Jr. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Richard's name to The Jaffrey Public Library, 38 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452. A memorial visitation will be held at RiverMead in the Pub at the Village on Monday February 15th from 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Burial will be in the spring in family plot in Shrewsbury, MA. Jellison Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online obituary, or to leave the family a condolence, please visit www.jellisonfuneralhome.com

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