Search by Name

Search by Name

Robert LaPorte Obituary

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.

Published by Bennington Banner from Jun. 9 to Jun. 11, 2007.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert LaPorte

Not sure what to say?





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

Make a Donation
in Robert LaPorte's name

Memorial Events
for Robert LaPorte

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Robert's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert LaPorte's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more