Lieutenant Colonel John D. Porter (USAF Ret.)

Lieutenant Colonel John D. Porter (USAF Ret.)

March 28, 2018
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FRAMINGHAM - John David Porter, 96, of Framingham, MA, died peacefully at home Wednesday, March 28, 2018 with his family at his side.

            Lt. Col. Porter (USAF Ret.) was born in Framingham, to Dennis E. Porter and Helena (Kelley) Porter. He completed three years at the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance while working full time at Dennison Manufacturing Co., before being called up for active duty in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He trained as a navigator, was commissioned 2nd Lt., and assigned to the 776th squadron of the 464th Bomb Group, 55th Bomb Wing, Fifteenth Air Force.

            In their B-24 Liberator, “Off Limits,” his crew made bombing runs from Tunisia, and later Italy. On Lt. Porter’s 23rd mission, his plane was shot down by anti-aircraft fire. One of seven to survive, he was captured and interned in Stalag Luft 1, a POW camp near Barth, Germany, until the war ended.

            Lt. Porter chose to stay in the Air Force, and in San Angelo, Texas, met and married his great love, Joy Marie Brokaw. By the time he retired in 1965, he had been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and was Commanding Officer of the Munitions Maintenance Squadron, Strategic Air Command (SAC) at Larson AFB,  Washington state.

            After returning to Framingham, Mr. Porter was employed by the USPS from 1965-1984, ending his career as Superintendent Engineer for all town post offices. Whether at work or home, there was no problem he couldn’t solve, nothing broken he couldn’t fix, and he never gave up until he had. He traveled often, read voraciously, and never failed to make you laugh with his witty wisecracks and sharp wit. He had great compassion for those in need, especially children, and gave generously throughout his life.

            Above all, he was a man of integrity—honest and courageous, and faithful to his duty, his country, his principles, and his family. His love for us was abiding and deep, and we will miss him very much.

            Mr. Porter is survived by his children, Michael Porter of Roswell, NM, John Porter of Foxboro, MA, Kelley Smith (Brian) of Stow, MA, Peggy Porter (Ralph) of Wilmington, NC and Dennis Porter, of Framingham, grandchildren Brenna, Chris, Jason, Holly, Tom, Kelley and Jack, as well as six great granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Mary, Dennis and Dave, his beloved granddaughter, Catherine, and his cherished wife, Joy.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service Friday, April 6, 2018 at 10:30AM from the Norton Funeral Home, 53 Beech St., (Corner of Union Ave.). Burial is private.

Visiting hours at the funeral home will be Thursday 4-7PM.           

            In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to A Place to Turn, 99 Hartford St., Natick, MA, 01760, or to Good Shepherd Community Care Hospice, 90 Wells Ave., Newton, MA 02459.


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Visitation

Norton Funeral Home, Inc.
  • Email Details
  • 53 Beech St.
    Framingham, Massachusetts 01702

Funeral Service

Norton Funeral Home, Inc.
  • Email Details
  • 53 Beech St.
    Framingham, Massachusetts 01702

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