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Harry PORTERFIELD Obituary

Harry Gordon Porterfield, Jr. passed away peacefully in the evening of Friday, May 17, 2019 in the calm of his home, which was filled with love by his family and his three cats. Married to Anne Maroney (Div.) and Victoria Porterfield (Div.), he was a beloved father to Daniel R. Porterfield (Karen Herrling), Katherine Anne Porterfield (Joel Lovell) and Matthew Alan Porterfield, and a devoted grandfather to Elizabeth, Caroline and Sarah Porterfield and Adeline, Tess, and Julia Lovell. He taught over forty years in the Baltimore City Public Schools and after retirement instructed teachers in the MA program at the Johns Hopkins School of Education. Gordon was the author of hundreds of works of poetry and fiction, as well as numerous plays, many of which were performed in Baltimore at the Corner Theatre Experimental Theatre Company in the 1970's. We'll feel him with us when we think of the many beautiful moments we shared. We hold him in our memories and hearts. A memorial service will be held at Le Mondo, 406 N. Howard St., Baltimore, MD 21201 on Saturday, June 15 beginning at 11 AM. Interment private. In honor of his love for the well being of animals, memorial donations are welcome to ASPCA or the Wildlife Conservation Society. Arrangements entrusted to Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center, P.A.

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Published by Baltimore Sun from May 22 to Jun. 12, 2019.

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Alice Quinlan

September 20, 2021

Just learned of Gordon´s passing-what a wonderful man! Another of his legacies are the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of adults who earned their GEDs at CCB because of his skilled teaching, humor, and support. We team taught in the 70´s and 80´s. And what a dedicated writer: he used to tell me about getting up every morning @5am to write for an hour before going off to teach.

Melissa Gardner

March 18, 2020

Gordon was my teacher at Chinquapin and so kind to me when my family life was rocky. He was quick to laugh or offer sympathy, and he had the most infectious enthusiasm and energy. He treated us middle-schoolers with gentle respect and opened his heart to the most sincere drama students--for the declamation contest, or You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Peter Pan and more. He kindly allowed me to visit him in Hamilton many times during and after HS, and even years later after that. He always spoke glowingly of Danny, Kate, and Matthew (who I remember well as a child). I will miss him very much.

DL

June 10, 2019

Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we love. My condolences for your loss. May the God of all comfort sustain you now and in the days to come. May God also grant you a measure of peace. Psalms 94:19

June 5, 2019

Offering my condolences to family and friends. May the peace of God and the fond memories you cherish comfort and sustain you during this time. Ruth 2:12

Richard C. (Harv) Keene

June 3, 2019

Gordon was a true free spirit - in life.
May that free spirit entertain the angels, too. . . .

warren moore

June 3, 2019

What a great person! I shared times with Gordon at college, in central office for BCPS (we both quickly realized we were in the wrong place) and as theatre colleagues, with Gordon giving me so many insights on working with young actors. Bright, warm and giving, he will be missed. Thinking, too, of Matthew and hoping you know of how much your dad was loved and respected. He will be missed greatly.

warren moore

June 3, 2019

What a special person! I shared experiences with Gordon at college, in central office for BCPS (We both knew we were in the wrong place) and as a theater colleague who loved to share ideas and teach me things about teaching kids theatre. Thinking of Matthew and hoping he knows how much his father was loved and respected.

Abbie Brown

May 31, 2019

We have lost a warm and loving human being. When my girls were in Chinquapin Middle School he loved and encouraged them to grow in so many ways. I will never forget the way he would pile them into his VW bug to drive them home after play practice.

Jason White

May 31, 2019

My condolences to the family. I'm sure you know that Mr. Porterfield will always be fondly remembered by many of his former students, especially those at Chinquapin Middle School who were involved with the plays he produced and directed over the years. I've been a teacher for over 20 years, and whenever I think about those plays I am truly amazed that he was able to wrangle a bunch of middle schoolers into practicing for months, even on weekends, to put on two quality shows a day for several weeks every spring. The time, energy and love that he put into his work is truly inspirational. He made a difference.

Linda Caldwell

May 30, 2019

This is very heartfelt, as I send my condolences to the family... He was such an Awesome teacher... totally devoted to us drama students... seeing his name brought back so many wonderful precious memories... Mr. Porterfield your are the legend to Chinquapin Middle School!!!! Rest in peace ... I will most certainly keep the family in Prayer's

Jennifer Butler

May 28, 2019

I am so sorry to hear about Gordon. He's been part of our "family" for so many years. Always a kind and gentle soul, with a smile to warm your days. My love and condolences go out to you all. Sending healing light....

Fran Kamits

May 27, 2019

Prayers for you and your family.

Ashley Burke

May 26, 2019

I feel honored to have been one of Mr. Porterfield's students at Canton and to be able to pass on some of his wonderful knowledge to my own children. Thank you, Mr. Porterfield. Rest easy.

Dan Lease

May 25, 2019

I am sorry for your loss. I was a student of his way way back at CMSchool. He was a great teacher and remember him as a kind soul. He had a big impact on my life and he will be missed. God bless.

Annastasia Kezar

May 24, 2019

What a wise, generous, gifted and loving gentleman. From Canton to RPMS and occasional meetings at Poor Boys, I will carry your smile and infectious laugh with me always. On wings of angels Gordon.

JS

May 24, 2019

My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm".2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17

Christine Rice

May 23, 2019

Gordon,

You embraced me moments after meeting...for a job interview. This was your nature. You had love in all areas of your life. You inspired me and encouraged me to love teaching. I will miss you.

Ms

May 23, 2019

To the family of Harry Gordon Porterfield Jr. I would like to express my condolences to you and may you receive the comfort that God can give as He put his right hand out to you Isa.41:10.13

May 22, 2019

May God who understands your sorrow comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time.
- Psalms 94:19

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Memorial Events
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Jun

15

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Le Mondo

406 N. Howard St, Baltimore, MD

Funeral services provided by:

Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center - Timonium

2325 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093

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