Donald A. Porter

Utica-Boonville- Donald A. Porter, 90 of Acacia Village at the Masonic Care Community, Utica, husband of Carol, and a former resident of Post St. Boonville and Ellenton, Fl, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the Masonic Care Community.

Affectionately known as Don, he was born in Philadelphia, PA, on March 11, 1934, a son of Kenneth and Madeline Alger Porter. He grew up in Syracuse, where he graduated from Central High School, of Syracuse, with the Class of 1952. During his youth he regularly spent summers at the Alger Farm on the Old West Leyden Road, near Boonville. While in high school and later in college, Don was employed in many part time jobs.

On June 5, 1953, Mr. Porter entered into the service of his country, in the U.S. Air Force, serving in Korea, during the Korean Conflict and also at Sampson Air Force base, Lowry Air Force Base, K-8 in Korea, Johnson Air Force Base, Japan and Shaw Air Force Base, in South Carolina. On June 5, 1957, he was honorably discharged with the rank of E-4.

Following his service in the Air Force, Don enrolled at SUNY Oswego, where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Education and graduated with the Class of 1960. Beginning in 1960, Mr. Porter taught school in Elbridge, NY and in Ronkonkoma, NY.

Education was Mr. Porter’s true forte, however and in 1965, he began his teaching career as a 5th grade teacher at Boonville Central School. Soon thereafter the school district merged with West Leyden and Forestport Central Schools, to become the Adirondack Central School District and in 1969, Mr. Porter became the Forestport Elementary School Principal and also was a teacher at that school, until retiring in 1989.

On July 21, 1978, Don was united in marriage with Carol Carpenter Freeman, at the First Baptist Church of Boonville.

Don and Carol were longtime members of the Methodist Churches in Boonville and in Parrish, Fla. For many years, with his friend and co-teacher, Mr. Joseph Wason, Don was actively involved with Boy Scout Troop 13 of Boonville. He was a longtime member of Boonville Fire Company, where he served as an EMT, before becoming an ambulance driver, a position he held for more than 25 years and driving for 1700 ambulance trips. Until 2020, Mr. Porter served with the Boonville Fire Company Fire Police. In addition, Don was a member of the Boonville Rescue Squad, a 58-year member of Boonville Lodge of Elks # 2158, an over 45-year member of Charles J. Love Post # 406, American Legion, Boonville, serving for many years with the American Legion Color Guard, and a member of NYSUT Retiree Council, Local # 8.

Many years ago, Don and Carol relocated to Ellenton, FLA, where they lived for many years, making many friends and becoming involved in the community of Ridgewood. In 2022, they moved to their present home at Acacia Village, at the Masonic Home, Utica. Don and Carol enjoyed traveling and also motorcycling. They visited most of the states in the U.S. and a highlight of their traveling was a “dream trip” to Newfoundland by motorcycle. In addition to traveling, Don was an avid reader and he enjoyed working out at the gym and playing pitch.

Many years ago, Mr. Porter began his long battle with type two diabetes, a condition that ultimately caused him to have to have both legs amputated above his knees. In spite of that affliction, Don was known in Ellenton, FL and in Utica and Boonville, as the “Fitness Man,” who always soldiered on; driving his automobile, riding a bicycle, takes cruises with Carol and he enjoyed attending many social events. He daily worked out at the gym, often for several hours at a time. Over the years, Don was an inspiration to many and was never heard to complain of his infirmities; Carol summed up Don the best, “Don was an inspiration to others who face difficulties,” and Don summed up the love of his wife, Carol, in the same way.

In addition to his loving wife Carol, Don is survived by sons, Dr. Timothy (Allison) Porter, Wildwood, FL, David (Melissa) Porter, Frankfort, NY; step-children, Susan Rickert (Bill Bursis) Hawley, PA, Stephen (Rosemary) Freeman, Overland Park, KS, Sandra (Albert) Foote, Trumansburg, NY; grandchildren, Mark (Nico) Ravanilla, San Diego, CA, Matthew (Renee) Porter, Frankfort, NY, Willow Porter, Wildwood, FL; step grandchildren, Mark (Georgette) Howard, Shobola, PA, Samantha Mackerley, Hawley, PA, Timothy (Gabrielle) Rickert, Honesdale, PA, Kenneth Freeman, Overland Park, KS; 8 great grandchildren and a sister in law, Betty Porter, CA. He was predeceased by his brother, Lee Porter and by grandchildren; Kate Chrzan and Stephanie Freeman.

A Memorial Service will be Wednesday, May 8, 2024, beginning at 7:00 P.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where calling hours are also Wednesday, from 4-7 P.M. At 7:00 P.M. members of the Boonville Lodge of Elks, # 2158, will conduct services at the funeral home, followed by members of Boonville Fire Department calling in a group, at 7:15 P.M., to be followed at 7:30 P.M. by Military Rites from members of Charles J. Love Post # 406, American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W. and the Tun Tavern Leather Neck Marine Corps League, all of Boonville. Memorial contributions may be made to Boonville Fire Department Ambulance Fund, P.O. box 164, Boonville, NY 13309, or to Erwin Library, 104 Schuyler St. Boonville, NY 13309.