John Porter, Sr.

John R. Porter, Sr.

1939-2016

St. Johnsbury, Vermont

John Richard Porter, Sr., age 77, of Pleasant Street passed away at St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab Center on Wednesday, September 21, 2016, following a long decline.

John was a lifelong resident, born in St. Johnsbury on August 23, 1939, son to the late Charles Merton and Dorothy Lydia (Celley) Porter.  He was raised and educated here and went to the St. J Trade School.  He married Shirley L. Holloway on September 20, 1959, and shared 57 years together.  John worked as a Service Repairman for Sears for 33 years, drove taxi in St. Johnsbury part-time while attending night school studying for his Master Electrician license which he was self-employed as until his retirement.  He sang and played bass guitar in several country music bands over the years, was a past member of the Moose Club, enjoyed lots of ‘camp parties’ and while he wasn’t being “Mr. Fixit,” he loved getting his grandkids into trouble and usually himself, too.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley, of St. Johnsbury, two daughters: Valerie Morse (Bob Cavelius) of N. Haverhill, NH, Gail Porter of St. Johnsbury, three sisters: Faith “Tiny” Weeks of Rockland, ME, Jane St. Onge (Richard) of Canaan, NH, Donna Rowell (Charles) of St. Johnsbury, 3 grandchildren: Kevin Harran, Mark Harran (Fiancé Jenn Martin), Melissa Harran and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son: John R. Porter, Jr. in 2007 and by a brother: Charles Porter.

Friends may call on the family from 7-9PM on Monday, September 26, 2016, at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Tuesday the 27th at the Funeral Home with John Sleeper officiating.  Burial will follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery on St. John’s Street.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.saylesfh.com.