STUART T. PORTER Jr.

Stuart Thackway Porter, Jr. passed away Monday, March 13, 2017 with much of his extraordinary family at his side. He was a loving, caring, gentle, generous, compassionate man who will be missed dearly. Born in Mineola, New York on May 12, 1931 to Dr. Stuart Thackway Porter Sr. and Rosalind Louise Porter, and married Jean Constance Kluge (deceased) in 1954. They had five children: Stuart T. III (deceased), Jeffrey C., Glenn H., Gregory S. (deceased), and Jon C. Stuart attended Adelphi University and attained a B.A. in Zoology in 1960 and a Masters in Library Science from C.W. Post School at Long Island University in 1972. Stuart married Kathryn West in 1979 and they had one son, Alexander W. Stuart served in the Navy from 1952-1956 and then worked in aerospace defense on Long Island, New York. In 1972 he moved to Danbury, Connecticut where he served as Assistant Director at the Danbury Library for six years. In 1978, he became the Director of the Russell Library in Middletown, Connecticut where he focused on the addition and renovation of its 1834 building, increased programming and introduction of technology and collection development until his retirement in 1997. Stuart was involved in many Connecticut library organizations and initiatives including Treasurer and chair of the editorial board at the Connecticut Library Association, the Literacy Task Force and Career Recruitment Task Force, Treasurer of the Southern Connecticut Library Council, Vice-President of the State Advisory Council on Libraries, and member of the State Board of Directors of Literacy Volunteers of America. In Middletown, he served on the Red Cross Board of Directors, the municipal Computer Task Force, the Race Relations Task Force, the Community Oriented Policing Leadership Council, and was a member of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. Stuart was a Trustee, Treasurer and President of the Independent Day School in Middlefield. He became a Rotarian in 1979 and continued to be involved in Rotary in Oregon. Retirement brought almost twenty wonderful years in Cottage Grove, Oregon where he continued to be highly involved, explored the western US and Europe and enjoyed share outdoor activities, travel, food, and wine with great friends. His kids have been here for him over the last year as he battled cancer as the strength of his family has grown and furthered everyone's wellbeing.Those who would like to honor Stuart are encouraged to donate to their local library or service club or to either of two scholarship endowments for graduating seniors from the South Lane School District in lieu of flowers. Send checks made payable to CGCF to Cottage Grove Community Foundation Box 1326, Cottage Grove, Oregon 97424 and specify the fund: Porter/Allen Family Scholarship (focused on Career and Technical Education) or the Cottage Grove Rotary Endowment Fund.