John R.  Porter

John R. Porter of 1 Lake Street, Trumansburg, passed away unexpectedly at Cayuga Medical Center on Friday, November 9, 2012 at the age of 71.

Born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania on July 26, 1941, John was the son of the late Robert and Alberta (Tennis) Porter. Following his graduation from high school, John served his country in the United States Air Force from 1959 until being honorably discharged in 1964. He moved to Trumansburg in 1964, and began working at Cornell University. After over 35 years of employment, John retired from Cornell as a Physics Lab Manager.

Over the years, John was active in various facets of the Trumansburg community. He was an active member of the Trumansburg United Methodist Church in the 70’s and 80’s where he served as treasurer, was a member of the Trumansburg School Board from 1982 to 2005, and recently retired as a member of the TST BOCES Board after 17 years. John spent time relaxing in his garden growing various varieties of day lilies, collecting antiques, filming Cornell football games, and was an avid enthusiast of railroads and trains. He and his wife, Marilyn, opened their home and became foster parents for several years.

John is survived by his wife, Marilyn Porter of Trumansburg; seven children, Jeff (Joanne) Porter of Downingtown, PA, Rodney (Lynne) Porter of Trumansburg, Robert Rector (Paul Buck) of Lansing, Christine (Rob) Goble of Oneonta, Cari (David) Maslow of Pittsburgh, PA, Lori McCoy of Goldsboro, NC, and Mari Rector (Thomas Halling) of Trumansburg; thirteen grandchildren, Jonathan, Megan, David (Carolyn), Stefani, Matthew, Ashley, Jordan, Emeline, Lydia, Zachary (Debra), Hunter, Braylan, and Olivia; and an aunt, Dorothy (Porter) McMullen. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a sister, Catherine.

The family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00pm on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at the First Baptist Church, 4443 Seneca Road, Trumansburg. A reception will immediately follow at the church.

Those who wish to make a contribution in John’s memory are asked to kindly consider Hospicare of Tompkins County, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or the American Stroke Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.