Allen Howard Porter Jr.

Allen Howard Porter Jr.

Age: 74 • Essex Junction

Allen Howard Porter Jr., 74, died at his home in Essex Junction on Jan. 6, 2016. He was born in Burlington on Jan. 16, 1941 the son of Allen H. and Eleanor J (Smith) Porter.

Allen graduated from BHS in 1959. He had worked as a toolmaker for IBM until his retirement in 2000. Allen was a member of St. John Vianney Church and of the BPOE #916. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam Conflict. Allen was predeceased by his loving wife of 35 years, Avis (Prim) in 1998.

In his earlier years Allen was passionate about hunting the woods of Richmond and fishing the Huntington River. In most recent years, Allen continued his enthusiasm for wild life driving through the back roads of Vermont scouting for deer. He also enjoyed daily walks, and his all time favorite, spending summer evenings at the Burlington waterfront.

Although he rarely left his family, he occasionally spent time as a snowbird traveling to Florida in the winters especially Coco Beach, and a little bit of gambling in Las Vegas and nearby casinos. Allen also cherished frequenting "the pony races" at Saratoga and watching the Nascar races.

He adored his grandchildren, who were eight of the greatest pleasures in his life. He was happy watching them sprout and grow throughout the years. With a quiet demeanor he proudly attended their sporting and school event and milestone achievements. One of his favorite times of the year was Christmas, watching his grandchildren gather together around his favorite Christmas tree.

Giving back was a natural instinct for Allen. He took great pleasure volunteering for Meals on Wheels, and as a greeter for many years at various Champlain Valley Fairgrounds events.

Special thanks; to Dr. Beatty and his staff, for their unwavering kindness, compassion and excellent medical care over the years. To The University of Vermont Medical Center Specialty teams and Associates in Orthopedics who also provided medical care. Allen's family is especially grateful of Fisher Auto Parts that welcomed Allen as part of their delivery team. He looked forward to laughing and joking with the guys, who embraced and treasured him as a teammate.

Allen was a quiet, humble, generous man, who was kind to everyone he met. He was best known as genuine above all else.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Allen W. and Merry Porter of St. Johnsbury, Troy A. and Vicki Porter of Williston, and Kim Porter and Linda Martinez of Burlington; his dear friend, Monica Racine of Essex Junction; his brother-in-law, Frank LaPointe of Richmond; his niece Casey Darling and nephew Jason LaPointe; and 8 grandchildren, Matt, Saleena and Chase Porter, Tyler and Jacob Porter and Ellie, Kate and Maddie Porter. He was predeceased by his sister Jane LaPointe in 1999 and his partner Sandra Lovejoy in 2007.

Visiting hours will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan 10 at the Boucher and Pritchard Funeral Home, 85 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 11 in St. John Vianney Church with interment to follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery. Those who wish may make contributions in Allen's memory to VNA/VT Respite House, 1110 Prim Rd., Colchester, VT 05446.

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