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David Thomas Porter Ph.D.

1928 - 2013

David Thomas Porter Ph.D. obituary, 1928-2013, Amherst, MA

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Amherst, Massachusetts

David Porter Obituary

AMHERST - Professor Emeritus of English, David T. Porter, 85, passed away Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, after cardiac arrest following a brief stay at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

Born to Roy Avery Porter and Bertha Thomas Porter on a farm in Elba, one of the tiniest rural communities (pop. 500) in western New York state. David distinguished himself in sports and scholarship at Elba Central High School and Hamilton College before traveling as a young man to teach as head of the English department in the Lycee at Robert College in Istanbul, Turkey, and later making a career of international prominence as a distinguished academic in Arts and Letters. He was known worldwide as a leading scholar of Emily Dickinson, joining the faculty at the University of Massachusetts, where he taught literature courses to generations of students.
For decades David Porter was closely involved with the Dickinson Homestead, and he organized the first Emily Dickinson International Symposium in 1980, leading to the establishment of the Emily Dickinson International Society that thrives today. He also organized the "legendary" 1986 Centennial Celebration of Dickinson and delivered the keynote speech, at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C.

In 1957, David married Rosalie Pedalino of Orange, N.J. They lived in Istanbul, then moved to the United States where he earned his doctorate at the University of Rochester before relocating in Amherst in 1962, where they raised their three sons. Porter joined the English department faculty where he served until retirement. He published three very highly regarded scholarly works: "The Art of Emily Dickinson's Early Poetry" (1966), "Emerson and Literary Change" (1978) and "Dickinson: The Modern Idiom" (1981), all published by Harvard University Press, as well as many articles of literary criticism. U.S. Poet Laureate and Amherst College professor Richard Wilbur stated that Porter's writing "will force a reconsideration of Emily Dickinson, and it is so well argued and so full of brilliant analysis as to be largely incontrovertible."

With Amherst as a home base, the Porters have also maintained residences in Nantucket Island, and Singer Island, Fla., for many years. David Porter's scholarship afforded opportunities to lecture widely outside the U.S. under the auspices of the U.S. State Department. He was awarded Fulbright Lectureships (twice), a Guggenheim Fellowship, a residency as senior research fellow at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and was a Resident Scholar at the Rockefeller Research Institute at Bellagio, Italy. During his career, Porter taught at the University of Catania, Sicily, Italy, Keele University and the University of Kent, both of England. He received the Faculty Award for Distinguished Research and Scholarship at UMass in 1986, and an Honorary Doctorate at Hamilton College, his alma mater, where he delivered the 1992 commencement address.

Dickinson scholar and longtime friend Polly Longsworth said of David, "But for you, I would not know Dickinson… without your books I couldn't begin to understand her mind." Although he traveled the world as a lover of arts, opera, museums and galleries, he dearly loved the town of Amherst, which he called "the Center of Wisdom." One of David's happy accomplishments was to welcome the U.S. Postmaster General to Amherst on Aug. 28, 1971, for a ceremony at Amherst College's Johnson Chapel to commemorate the first day issue of a new Emily Dickinson 8-cent stamp. Porter spoke before the Postmaster, noting that Emily had referred in her poetry to 17 instances of a letter being sent, but only six times to a letter being successfully delivered or received.

Notwithstanding his crash-landing a small aircraft on the family farm at age 15, Porter served in the Naval Air Corps in Pensacola, Fla., and later in the Army 101st Airborne Division "Screaming Eagles" at Fort Jackson, S.C.

In Professor Porter's efforts to invigorate the minds of others, he never neglected to touch their hearts. David loved most to do things with and for his family, and to encourage them to their fullest potential in their productive and creative pursuits. He was a dedicated and loving husband, a caring, supportive father and a devoted, inspiring grandfather. He is survived by his sister Margery Porter Philipp of Amelia Island, Fla., along with his devoted wife of 56 years, Rosalie Pedalino Porter, Ed.D., his children and their partners, Thomas (Lisa Perlbinder), David (Sally Cooney) and Stephen (Edward Lee), and grandchildren David Gamliel, Carley Porter, Addison Gamliel, Emily Porter and Finn Cooney Porter.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, Dec. 7, at 4 p.m., at the South Congregational Church in South Amherst.

Donations in David Thomas Porter's memory and in honor of his work may be made to the Emily Dickinson Museum, 280 Main St., Amherst, MA 01002.

Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Nov. 19, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for David Porter

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14 Entries

Dear Friend Lee and your amazing sons and their families:
David will not be forgotten. His kind ways and variety of interests made him especially pleasant to be around.
Of late he was failing but many the lovely time we have had over the years at your little beach house in Nantucket. Be comforted.
Our love to you all,
Dot and Skip Vollans

Dorothy & Skip Vollans

November 25, 2013

The world, especially Emily Dickinson studies, was greatly enriched by David's life and work. My last conversation with him was in a bright August Amherst sun just outside the Lord Jeff, and I will always treasure that memory--David laughing and throwing back his head and us both drinking in the sustaining joy of a mutual love for Dickinson and her words.

Also, the Emily Dickinson International Society, which I now serve as President, is grateful for his strong work and encouragement of ours.

In Possibility!

Martha Nell Smith

November 23, 2013

Oh Lee, I am so sorry -- David was a wonderful mentor and friend. His and your kindness and support to William and to me meant and means the world. My deepest sympathy and love.

Nikki

November 21, 2013

Uncle Dave We will greatly miss you. Thank you for all the special memories with you and Aunt Rosalie. Our family is so proud of all your outstanding accomplishments and your dedication to your family- Love You Always-Laura Jim James and Margo

November 21, 2013

We will remember you with great fondness
and wonderfull memories. Rest in peace,
Francie, Jerry, Maria, Craig & Jerry Jr.

THE DELLA SALLA FAMILY

November 21, 2013

Rosalie,
I'm so sad to hear of David's passing. He was one of the great scholars and humanists of an era that is quickly fading. The loss of both Julie Harris and David within months of each other has shaken all who love the poetry of Emily Dickinson.
I will always be inspired by his brilliance, his generosity, and his sparkling smile.

Daniel Lombardo

November 21, 2013

Tom..am very sorry for the loss of your dad. I still remember the few times i met him. He was very humble and kind. Your mum and your brothers are in my thoughts and prayers.

Esther Waikuma

November 21, 2013

Sorry to hear of the David's death-a distinguished scholar who did honor to our English Dept for many years, Condolences to Lee and all his children and grandchildren--a painful loss. Jules Chametzky

November 21, 2013

Dear Rosalie, I would just like to put on record my gratitude for David's generosity to younger scholars who visited Amherst: he shared contacts, information, enthusiasm, guidance and deep, deep knowledge. He was a patient and wise man, and his books will live on. My sincerest condolences to you and to your family.

Domhnall Mitchell

November 21, 2013

I will always remember my beloved Uncle Dave as one of the smartest and nicest men I ever knew. I cherish my wonderful childhood memories spent in Amherst, Nantucket and Rockport with the Porter family.
My deepest sympathies to my Aunt Rosalie and my three cousins Tom, Dave and Steve and the rest of the family.

Frank Pedalino

November 21, 2013

Dear Rosalie,

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are all saddened by the passing of your beloved husband. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance. Our condolences to you and your family.

Mindy Chang

November 20, 2013

Prayers to the Porter family. What a guy!

Andy Turpen

November 19, 2013

As a former neighbor and friend, I have many fond memories of Dave Porter and his fine family and I am greatly saddened by news of his death. He will be missed by many friends and colleagues world-wide.
My condolences to Lee and the three boys, especially Steven, who shared many Amherst hours with my son, Aaron.

Leah Jacobs

November 19, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

DStallings

November 19, 2013

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