NASHUA, NH- James R. Porter, Sr., age 75, a resident of Nashua for the past 12 years, formerly of Tewksbury, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2011, at home with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth A. "Betty" (Fenno) Porter, with whom he celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on April 24, 2011.
Born in East Boston on January 8, 1936, he was the son of the late Raeine W. Porter, Sr. and the late Mildred (Flood) Porter.
Jim was raised in East Boston and attended East Boston Schools.
Prior to his retirement in 1991, he was employed by the M.B.T.A., where he worked for 22 years.
"Jim was a dedicated and caring family man, who was always there when anyone needed help , wanted to talk or enjoy a good laugh".
Mr. Porter enjoyed many activities including saltwater fishing, bowling, drawing, tinkering, and traveling with his wife. In addition, he was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and hadn't missed watching a game in 16 years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Dennis L. Porter and his wife Nancy of Natick, Denise C. Porter-Noel of Tewksbury, Lisa M. Etheridge and her husband Steven of Burlington and James R. Porter, Jr. and his wife Debra of Nashua, NH; his grandchildren, Dennis L. Porter, Jr. and his wife Keri, Michael Porter, Paul Ricardo and his wife Teresa, Kelley-Lyn Porter, Nicholas Noel, Ryan and Jenna Porter; one great grandchild, Faith;three sisters-in-law; Eleanor Porter of Nashua, NH, Jean Porter of Malden and Carol Porter of FL; also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Porter was the brother of the late Robert, Raeine, George and Donald Porter and brother-in-law of the late Joan Porter.
Calling hours will be Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 4-8 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. His funeral will be held Thursday, Sept. 1, at 9 a.m., from the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., at St. Williams Church, 1351 Main St., Rte. 38, Tewksbury. Committal service at St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Dana Farber's Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, Floor 6, Brookline, MA 02445.