BENNINGTON -- Robert J. LaPorte, 85, a lifelong resident of Bennington, passed on Friday June 8, 2007, in the company of his wife of 58 years, Naomi Willard LaPorte, and their daughters Beverly Pierce and Sharon Corcoran.
He was born on Jan. 28, 1922, the first son of Eli LaPorte and Lucy Bellemare, and was a graduate of Benn High Robert LaPorte loved sharing life with his family and friends. He was a man of clear insight, accumulated knowledge, and common sense.
Corporal LaPorte enlisted in the Marines Sept. 23, 1942, and received his boot camp training at Paris Island, S.C. He served in the south and central Pacific and was a veteran of Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima and he participated in the consolidation work in the Northern Solomons. In addition to his battle stars, LaPorte received the Purple Heart after being wounded in Iwo Jima. A few months after his return to the States, LaPorte received a citation dated Aug. 18, 1945, and signed by Major General G.B. Erskine, in command, Third Marine Division Fleet Marine Force. The certificate reads as follows.
”For meritorious service in action against the Japanese while serving as a squad leader, in the above mentioned campaigns, His aggressive and courageous action throughout these campaigns was a constant inspiration to the men of his platoon. His skill and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the US Naval Service.”
Mr. LaPorte owned and operated Bennington Tile then the Bennington Bus Station.
Throughout his life Bob was an inspiration. In the good times and the bad he was always there doing whatever was needed, lending an ear and a shoulder, resources and know-how, giving of himself to make life better for those around him. He found joy in the simple things of life: fishing early in the morning, tending to his vegetable garden, picking apples that his son grew, dancing and watching the sunset with his wife. Bob made a mean apple pie. He was a man’s man and a family man. He loved his family, his state and his country. He will be missed.
Robert LaPorte is survived by his loving wife Naomi of Bennington; their four children and their spouses, Sharon and Richard Corcoran of Colchester, Beverly and Brian Pierce of West Rutland, Robert and Paula LaPorte of Shaftsbury, and David LaPorte and Sue Manchester of Milton; eight grandchildren, Pamela and Alison Corcoran, Vera and Hillary LaPorte, Brian and Kimberly Pierce and Renee and Eli LaPorte; two great-grandchildren, Violet Corcoran and Brian Thomas Pierce; four sisters, Genivieve Elwell of Bennington, Rita Scullari of Pittsfield, Mass., Lorraine Vivaldi of Florida and Evelyn Carelli of Florida; and everal nieces, nephews and cousins. He was pre-deceased by a brother, Raymond LaPorte and two sisters, Marjorie LaPorte and Beatrice Scott.
Friends may call at the Mahar & Son Funeral Home on Monday June 11, from 4 to 7 p.m.
The burial with military honors will take place in the family lot in Park Lawn Cemetery on Tuesday, June 12 at 11 a.m.
If friends desire contributions in memory of Robert J. LaPorte may be made to the Bennington Rescue Squad through the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home 628 Main St. Bennington, VT 05201.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Naomi and childern,
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you. It was a pleasure to take care of Robert. Always tryed too smile through even the tough.
ASHLEY Hoot LPN
June 15, 2007
Some people come into our lives and quickly go.....Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. I will miss Mr. Laporte very much.
Theresa Kelly, LNA
June 15, 2007
CONDOLENCES FOR ALL OF BOB'S FAMILY.
ANN DRAGON-NORRIS
June 12, 2007
MY CONDOLENCE TO ALL OF MY COUSIN'S BOB FAMILY. I KNOW HE WAS GREETED BY THE REST OF THE FAMILY THAT HAVE GONE BEFOR HIM. OUR GRANDPARENTS, AUNTS, UNCLES, COUSINS AND BOB'S SIBLINGS WERE THERE TO SHOW HIM THE PATH TO LOVE AND PEACE. WE WILL MEET AGAIN.
MARGO DRAGON-PREUSS
June 12, 2007
I AM SO SORRY TO LEARN THAT MY COUSIN BOB HAS PASSED AWAY,AND OFFER MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO NAOMI AND FAMILY.
I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH THE MEMORIES OF GROWING UP TOGETHER AND OUR HUNTING AND FISHING TRIPS.
WE WERE A VERY CLOSE FAMILY.REST IN PEACE BOB.
JUNIOR
FRANK DRAGON
June 12, 2007
Robert,
Please accept my sympathies on the passing of your dad.
I remember him from Way Back There... before I met you, probably... at the Bus Station, of course -- where he was a fearsome presence, and one of the straightest shooters I've ever met.
- Warren [[email protected]]
Warren Allen
June 11, 2007
Aunt Sharon and Uncle Rick,
I am so sorry for your loss and always remember that he is with you.
I wish I could be home for you but my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Shannon Behan
June 11, 2007
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. For 24 years I traveled by bus to New York City. Mr. LaPorte was always helpful and I grew to know him as a person who loved his family, In the fall he always gave me apples that his son had picked. He was so proud of his garden and shared his flower plants with me. I will miss him.
Kay Fay
June 11, 2007
Our deepest and most sincere sympathy to the family of Mr LaPorte. May the Lord comfort each of you in this time of grief. From everyone at Bennington Taxi.
Teddi Crawford
June 11, 2007
frances corcoran and family
frances corcoran
June 11, 2007
i am going to miss mr.laporte alot.the short time i knew him was a blessing.my sincere sympathy to you all.god bless.
sandy wilder
June 9, 2007
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more