Robert A. Porter

Porter, Robert A. COXSACKIE, N.Y. Robert "Bob" A. Porter, 71, of Coxsackie, died October 12, 2007 at his residence. He was born on March 15, 1936 in Catskill, N.Y., and is the son of Sallie F. (Oliver) Porter of Coxsackie, and the late Kenneth L. Porter. Besides his mother, he is survived by a brother, Kenneth "Gig" Porter of Coxsackie; two sisters, Cornelia P. Porter of Selkirk and Sallye R. Furbert of Albany; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. He became a jazz musician in the late 1950's, served in the armed forces in the Army during the 1960's and after a discharge continued with his music. Bob is best known for his intellectual challenges and his enthusiastic involvement with the community (active to honorary member of Coxsackie Hose Company #3, member of the Heermance Memorial Library Board), civic (treasurer of the Coxsackie's Men's Republican Club during the late 1960's). He became a member of the Kiwanis International in 2001 and rose rapidly in the organization at the local and division levels. At the time of his death, he was president of the Kiwanis of Catskill and lieutenant governor elect of the Hudson River Division of Kiwanis. The first love of his life was the masonry, "the craft". "Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York"...as evidenced by the fact that he was a high ranking official of each of the houses. He was past worshipful master, Lodge #46; past high priest, Zerubbabel Chapter #8, Royal Arch Masons; past potentate, Al Tabari Temple #121, "Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South America and it's Jurisdiction"; past commander and chief, Albany Consistory #90; worthy Joshua, Alpha Court #8, Heroines of Jericho; past royal chief engineer, Galilee Court, #4, Order of Cyrene; deputy prior, Alton J. Walton Priory, #7; deputy master, Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters; deputy thrice illustrious grand master, Alton J. Bennett Council, #25; prince hall grand council, Royal and Select Masters; past eminent commander, Galilee Commandery #20; and deputy prior, Henry G. Walton Priory #7. Before retirement, Robert was a supervisor for the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance in Albany. His titles and awards are too numerous to mention. He has been referred to as "one-of-a-kind", and for many of us, he was. Bob leaves memories for us to cherish. He will be missed deeply by all who knew him. Funeral services will take place Thursday October 18, 2007 at the Bethel A.M.E. Church, Mansion St., Coxsackie at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Felix Delatour, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, and also Rev. Edward Holmes, pastor of Zion A.M.E. Church, Ellenville, N.Y. The day of the funeral, everybody is asked to meet at the church, with the interment to follow in the family plot of the Riverside Cemetery, Coxsackie, N.Y. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the W.C. Brady's Sons, Inc. Funeral Home, 97 Mansion Street, Coxsackie on Wednesday, October 17 from 2-6 p.m. with a 6 p.m. masonic services at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements under the direction of the W.C. Brady Sons Inc., 97 Mansion St., Coxsackie, N.Y. 12051.