PETER LA PORTA Peter R. La Porta, of Henderson, was the first baby born at St. Rose de Lima Hospital, June 29, 1947. He was always very proud of that fact. He passed away unexpectedly Saturday, July 5, 2014. He was 67 years of age. Peter was preceded in death by his mother, Elayne B. La Porta. He is survived by his father, Louis F. La Porta; and his sister and brother, Valerie La Porta and Luke La Porta. He is also survived by his uncle, Robert La Porta; aunt, Rose Marie La Porta; cousins, Anne (Mike) Rupena and Jeanette (Sean) Fravely; aunt, Carolyn La Porta Williams; and cousin, Carol Jean, Williams all of California. Peter attended St. Peter's Catholic School grade one through eight. He served Mass as an altar boy and was grateful to learn Latin prayer and responses. He is a graduate of Basic High School in Henderson. His university preference was Arizona State University in Phoenix, and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. Peter was employed by Fireman's Fund Insurance in California and later joined his father's firm La Porta Insurance Agency. He was an outstanding insurance agent. He left the agency after 12 years and elected to begin a legal career. Peter attended California Western School of Law in San Diego, and accelerated his studies and graduation in only 18 months. He returned home to Nevada and clerked for the Honorable Joseph Pavlikowski of the Eight Judicial District Court. It was during that time he found his passion for criminal defense work. He was hired by Morgan Harris at the Clark County Public Defender's office where he was a deputy public defender under Justice Mike Cherry. He was hired by Phil Kohen and worked in the special public defenders cases where cases specialized in death penalty defense. He also enjoyed sitting as a pro tem judge in Henderson Municipal Justice Court. He joined and served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves in 1967. Peter had a very fun-loving, warm, mischievous personality. He absolutely loved life. He was an active member helping people with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul with food and assistance for the needy. Members of the Society are honored to serve as pallbearers at Peter's funeral. Rosary will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at Palm Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 18, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 204 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson. Burial following at Palm Valley View Memorial Park, 7600 S. Eastern Ave, Las Vegas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests your prayers and donations be made to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Peter's the Apostle Conference, 204 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, and Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, 1501 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89101.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal on Jul. 13, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for PETER LA PORTA

Sponsored by Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery.

31 Entries

The Garwoods

October 24, 2014

Hello My Dear Friend,

Today I Feng Shui your home. I thanked the memories of your home as I walked through each room burning your favorite smell of incense. I laughed and cried and set you free. Your home will be a new home to a tenant and I wanted to make sure I gathered all your chi and set you free but also to help Valerie and your Dad. You all have new journeys and paths to venture. I too must continue my ventures. I will always keep you in my thoughts and heart. There will be no neighbor that will fill your shoes. I will continue to see you pick up your newspaper each morning and hear your warm hardy laugh and that warm hug and smile in my thoughts.

You are free, you are loved, you are missed but you'll never be forgotten.

Thank you and continue to be The Guardian Angel to us all.

Aloha, The Garwoods & Koockie

Auntie made my pumpkin - Love you Koockie

Koockie

October 20, 2014

Happy Halloween - Koockie

Koockie

October 20, 2014

My Nyla Bone

Koockie

September 3, 2014

which one do I pick?

Koockie

September 3, 2014

do I have to come downstairs?

Koockie

September 3, 2014

Koockie

September 3, 2014

Thinking of you. Sending you lots of puppy kisses. Koockie

Gwen Garwood

August 13, 2014

Aloha Kakahiaka, (Good Morning My Dear Friend),

Not A DAY GOES BY THAT I DON'T check your website. Some days I just don't want to be the one who enters TIME AFTER TIME> but it is so hard.....because I saw you daily - sometimes you didn't see me.

Okay......for your Christmas gift ......I planned on a NEW ROBE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I sat and listened to all at your visitation about you dancing around ....in underwear and ....what ever, and I wanted so much to get up and add what I knew about my FRIEND...but held that idea to my heart. But I am sharing now my DEAR FRIEND (whom I love and miss so dearly) That short...Beige BATHROBE YOU...... snuck out to get your NEWSPAPER was going to replace with a longer version of cover up. Only Gary and I knew ...hmmmmm Oh Pete - Taxi Cab Pete - Good Neighbor - I miss you - I hope you think of us as we think of you - I hope you are our Guardian Angel... Koockie has Truly tried My Patience - and I think of you - It gives me a little more patience - she has poo'd and pee'd and chewed, kept me up and I DON'T WANT to put her in a kennel.......................just yet.

She is doing well, me not so... but I find your face website comforting. So My
Friend - have a wonderful day - I Love you, Gwen

Gwen & Koockie Garwood

August 6, 2014

Good Morning Good Neighbor,

Koockie did not eat her breakfast..... After getting all the canned dog food from Val yesterday out of your cupboard - I figured I would give her a little from Savory stew Beef & Veg (beings that was the most cans you bought)....guess what...she snubbed it. I mixed it with her dry food, so now it's soggy. Gary said she'd eat when she was hungry. (remember we are up @ 5-5:30am)it's still sitting there @ 8:30am. So I put some in another bowl without dry food (thinking she didn't want it mixed)hmmm she snubbed that as well. So now I come to the realization you had bought so many cans of those two kinds of food and still had it - because Koockie didn't like it. Oh, my Dear Friend, that's funny.

We are going for our walk across the park and maybe she'll have an appetite coming home. Hugs and kisses - smile we love you.

I will remember you - Uncle and Aunty are taking good care of me. Love, Koockie

Koockie Garwood

August 5, 2014

Gary, Gwen & Koockie Garwood

August 5, 2014

Thinking of you and missing you.

You are SPECIAL. Thanks for your friendship.

Gwen Garwood

July 30, 2014

Good Morning Pete,

I am your biggest entry writer on your guest book. I look at your happy face every morning. No one has added anything and because we use to see each other every "Morning" while I worked in my yard and your came out for your newspaper - this is a way to visit with you and yes..... share how special you were to us. I miss your comings and going. I am still looking out the window to see what's around your home. You always referred to me as your security system.

Gary was working on the boat yesterday and
Koockie and I were doing yard work and playing. I saw your car..........and in my heart said Pete's home, Your Sis had come by to put your garbage container in the garage and do stuff. She did come pass our place and spoke with Gary. Koockie and I were in the yard and the truck & boat made our visibility obscured. I waved ....but wished it was you passing by. Sure miss you good neighbor. I keep asking questions and getting mad at you for not taking care of yourself. Every morning we visited, every moment we shared, I feel I have earned the right to voice my thoughts. You always knew were you stood in my eyes. You even said.... yes Gwen I respect your utmost sincerity and you are right. Well darn - I miss you.

I miss telling you - I think you need a hair cut or hey what ever you just ate ... it's on your shirt. You made the excuse you left it for Koockie.

Okay, I guess I better stop. This entry is not being spiteful, but sharing how much you are missed. You will always be special.

Thank you for allowing this visit. To All who read this.....I miss my FRIEND. xx's& oo's Gwen

Gwen Garwood

July 28, 2014

Hey Good Neighbor,

Is that you moving furniture around up in the Heavens? Yesterday late evening lots of commotion, too. The heavens are heavy gray and the humidity is high. The landscapers came with Val & Dad. They did a really nice job in your courtyard. Not a day goes by without warm thoughts of you. Your are really missed and will always be loved.

I had a Blue Moon beer, no orange after I worked in the yard. Did a cheer to you. I remember the day we all three had one and you really enjoyed it.
Smile and send us more rain - you know how dry we are. Hugs - Your Favorite Neighbor

Gwen & Koockie Garwood

July 23, 2014

Good Morning Dear Friend,

Koockie and I were in the kitchen getting her breakfast ready. There was a fly on the cabinet............my heart melted and I shed tears. (I remember you saying when Gary & I had a difference of opinion - oh how you would like to be a fly on the wall in our interesting lifes).

So thank you for the morning visit. I just cupped the fly and set it free outside.

Just sharing thoughts. Thinking of you Val, Dad La Porta and family.

Love you, Koockie

Koockie

July 22, 2014

Gary, Gwen & Koockie Garwood

July 19, 2014

Hello Dear Friend,

This morning I met Val and your Dad at Petsmart. I must apologize for the spelling of Koockie in my prior entry. I remember now when you got her name tag - and you wouldn't tell the fellow making her ID he mispelled it - you just accepted the spelling. Well, we gave hugs and kisses - Gary & I are now Koockie's owners. I bought all her food and collars, toys, bed etc. She is at her new home and seems to be adjusting. She will only have ONE Daddy so our titles and Uncle Gary & Aunty Gwen. We will take wonderful care of her. As a matter of fact - we have to get a life flotation jacket so she can go on the boat. You were suppose to get your jacket and go with us. But I know you will be soaring above and watching.

Hey, I told Val about my entry following The Palms hearst to your services yesterday and YOU leading "The Way". She said I needed to tell ......So here's our funny story..........

Many times you pulled out of your driveway with newspapers on your trunk - forgetting to put them in the recycle bin. I followed your trail of newspapers blowing as I honked to get your attention for you to stop. Another time your newspapers blew all over my yard and I said it's gotta be Pete since it wasn't garbage day. So as we chuckled and laughed following you on your way to services - we watched and wondered if newspapers would fly off the hearst.

We love you and miss you Dear Friend. Thank you Val and Dad La Porta for allowing Koockie to be a part of our family. Blessings to you and your family. Gary & Gwen & Koockie

Gary & Gwen Garwood

July 18, 2014

Aloha Dear Friend,
Your visitation and rosary last night was absolutely beautiful. Your sister had so many wonderful stories to share and I was happy to be a part of the night. It was a tearful time but heart warming to be near you for a little longer.

I asked your sister if it would be okay to go to Petsmart and take a picture of Cooky. She replied absolutely.

This morning I took 2 photos to Palms Mortuary and the nice Gentlemen tucked them in your shirt pocket. She'll be with you always. Gary & I promise to take good care of Cooky and love her.

This morning on the way to your service - Palms Mortuary hearst was in front of us. As always you were leading "The Way" dear friend.

You had many attendees to send you on your New Journey.

Gary & I will truly miss you and your hardy laughter.

Aloha Oe - A hui hou kakou,
Gary & Gwen

Janel Potucek

July 17, 2014

Daniel and I send you and your family our prayers, Lou.

Cindy Oesterle-Prescott

July 17, 2014

Dear Val
Though our phone conversation last week was brief, know that I continue to hold you and your family in my prayers. I loved Pete, we had many fun filled fanily hours when he was dating Nancy. Take care of yourself, God is taking care of both Pete and your Mom.
Love
Cindy Oesterle-Prescott

July 17, 2014

So sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of Peter. S Carol Elya,O.P.

July 16, 2014

Dear Lou and Family, I remember Pete as a young high spirited boy when I babysat he and Val. So sorry for your loss. I am out of town and will not be able to come to the services. However, he will be in my prayers. Madeline Hinkell von der Linden and Family

July 16, 2014

Hi,

Just thinking about you good neighbor and miss seeing you. Friendly thoughts about you coming over and saying hey, please call my cell phone I can't find it. Lots of laughter and a big hug. Love ya Gwen

Debra March

July 15, 2014

With sincere condolences, saddened to hear of Peter's passing! Your family is in my prayers.
Debra March

Lisa McKenzie

July 15, 2014

Dearest Lou & Valerie, so sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family.

With Deepest Sympathy,

July 15, 2014

Please accept my condolences. Keeping in mind the scriptural hope of everlasting life can help sustain you.
John 17:3

James Sage

July 14, 2014

So sorry for your loss, Pete was a classmate

July 14, 2014

So sorry for your loss. Pete was a classmate of my husband and me, and we have fond memories of him.

Gary & Gwen Garwood

July 13, 2014

Hey Good Neighbor & Friend,
We spoke with you July 3rd around dinner time and just learned of your passing in the Review Journal. Gary & I are in shock. We limited our time outside due to the heat and periodically looked out the window but never saw you coming or going. Now we know why.

We will miss you and that contagious loud laughter and smile. I will miss giving you hugs and Gary will miss your talks. Thank you for the many years of friendship. I will miss seeing you come out of the garage for your daily newspaper.

To your Family and Friends please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you today, tomorrow and always.

Aloha Nui Loa,

Gary & Gwen Garwood

Jack Sheehan

July 13, 2014

The photo of Pete is perfect. The guy I remember had the greatest smile and laugh and was always fun to be around. He was one of the first people I met in Las Vegas, along with Mike Morrissey, and we had wonderful times together. He was also an outstanding cook, and his home-cooked dinners followed by wild story-telling, are treasured memories.--Jack Sheehan

Richard Stewart

July 13, 2014

Today I was informed of the passing of one of my high school friends and neighbor. Peter and I had plenty of fun moments getting into mischief around the neighborhood. I was always fond of his family and although we drifted apart after they moved we did from time to time get in touch with one another. My prayers to the family, I am sorry for your loss.

Debbie Kozik-Porter

July 13, 2014

So Sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers are with your family at the difficult time.

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

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Memorial Events
for PETER LA PORTA

Jul

Rosary

7:00 p.m.

Palm Mortuary

800 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV

Jul

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Peter's Catholic Church

204 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV

Jul

Burial

Palm Valley View Memorial Park

7600 S. Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV

Funeral services provided by:

Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery

7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123

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PETER LA PORTA

BORN