David Nido Dal Porto
November 2, 1935 - March 29, 2018
Resident of Santa Clara
David "Dave" Dal Porto passed away at his home on March 29, 2018, after a courageous struggle with Parkinson's Disease. He will always be remembered for his loving spirit and his steadfast devotion to family, friends and the countless number of students he inspired as a U.S. History teacher.
Dave was born in San Francisco, CA, the proud son of Italian immigrants. He grew up in the Mission District and graduated from Balboa High School. While working with the State Compensation Insurance Fund, he met the love of his life, Sonja, whom he married in 1959. Thereafter, Dave returned to school to earn a degree in Social Science from San Francisco State, while also serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve for eight years.
In 1963, Dave and Sonja moved to Santa Clara, CA where they raised three children. Dave enjoyed a remarkable and distinguished career as a U.S. history teacher at Mt. Pleasant High School in San Jose. Dave was uniquely dedicated to his students and Mt. Pleasant, where he taught for more than 30 years, served as the department chairperson, and wrote and published nine history simulations, which are still utilized in classrooms across the country. He also remained a lifelong teacher to his children, for whom he modeled perseverance and compassion.
Dave retired from teaching to help care for Sonja, after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. They were married just short of 50 years before she passed in 2007.
Dave took great pride in his family and his Italian American ancestry. His varied passions included traveling, camping, coaching baseball, Stanford football, his 1936 Plymouth and debating political causes. Dave and his family were blessed to have visited innumerable historical landmarks across America.
Dave is survived by his loving children, Steve (Tasia), Janine (Chet) and Scott (Joanne); grandchildren, Kyle, Tyler, Cory, Christopher and Jacob; and great grandchild, Esther. He also leaves behind his brother, Dick, nephews Brian and John, niece Laurie, cousins Ann and Bob and relatives in Lucca, Italy. His generous spirit will be missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service on April 25, 2018 at 6 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 14103 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Parkinson's Institute in Sunnyvale are welcome.

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Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Apr. 11, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for David Porto

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12 Entries

Laimin Lo

April 7, 2025

I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Dal Porto´s passing. He was not only an incredible teacher during my time at Mt. Pleasant High School, but he became a constant and cherished presence in my life. Even after my high school graduation, he continued to play a vital role in shaping who I am today.

His unwavering support, kindness, and guidance meant the world to me. He was there for some of the most significant moments in my life, attending my wedding, baby shower, and my children's birthdays, always showing up with warmth and love. I truly considered him a second father figure, and I am grateful for the wisdom he shared with me.

I had noticed that my holiday cards had started bouncing back, and then with the pandemic, I didn´t follow up. I now understand why, and my heart aches knowing that I lost touch with such a remarkable person.

Please know that his impact on his students, including myself, is lasting and will never be forgotten. His legacy as an educator and the positive influence he had on so many of us is something I will always carry with me.

With deepest sympathy,
Laimin Lo (aka "SuperBrat")
Mt Pleasant Class of 1988

Libby (Stepp) Nelson

April 20, 2018

Dave Dal Porto and Dick Archer were an awesome History team when I was a student at Overfelt High School. They were the teachers you wanted to have for US History.
15 years later, they became my mentors when I was a student teacher at Mt. Pleasant High School. Dave was a most caring and resourceful teacher, always reassuring me that I was doing the right thing and sharing his many skills and talents with both me and the students in the class.
He wanted his students to become the knowledgeable leaders we need in our society, who know that "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
I have wonderful memories of Dave and am grateful to have known and worked with him.

Cecilia Zambrano

April 15, 2018

I took care for David as is caretaker fora year and half . And the days I started to take care of David i noticed I knew this GREAT MAN .
As one of my from Mt pleasant High School. Hewas so happy in his golden years. I remembered him and I would to arm wrestle and he actually won. And we loved going for walks. And every morning we tried to his favorite restaurant Sara kitchen. He put on a big smile because everybody knew him there. And went for drive in his fathers Plymouth even though I didnt drive in it his sons drove it. And around 4pm we would watch the news. Then watch jeopardy and he was surprised that knew a lot of the questions. Then we would watch wheel of fortune again surprise I that knew the puzzles. We also talked about our families and things we did in ours life. So knew I David had superior life and now hes with wife and his parents . And have a Great time in Heaven. And I will miss this gorgeous Man and god rest his soul .

Annette delaCruz

April 13, 2018

God has truly welcomed an angel into his Kingdom. There are no words that can adequately describe how much your dad means to me. He helped sow the seeds of a lifetime love of learning. He cultivated my natural curiosity and pushed me to do my best - even when I didnt want to. Me. D was a wonder - he somehow got us to question and reason - sometimes far outside of what we thought we were capable of. He made me want to be a better person. He will always have a place in my heart. My heartfelt condolences to your family. Thank you for sharing him!

Joyce dela Cruz

April 12, 2018

Mr. Dal Portos energy, enthusiasm, and love of history was a joy to watch and be inspired by as I sat in his American History class at Mt. Pleasant High School. I learned not only the facts but experienced the emotions and moral complexities of our nations key historical events through his amazing simulation games. His way of teaching shaped my approach to critical thinking; his impact on me was immeasurable. Teachers like him come along once in a lifetime; Im so grateful to have been his student.

A fun memory: the Tory loyalists group was working through the American Revolution simulation game when Mr. Dal Porto came tearing into the classroom with a question from the sequestered American colonists group. He asked one of the girls in our Tories group -who happened to be a British emigre - if there was such a thing as the Fourth of July in England. Without missing a beat, she replied, Why yes! It is between July 3rd and July 5th. To this day, I always smile when I remember the blush that overcame his expression. What a dear fellow!

With warm memories and great affection for this wonderful man,
Joyce dela Cruz
Class of 1985

Scott Barton

April 12, 2018

I actually have thought of Mr. Dal Porto often over the years, whenever I think of my High School days. He was one of those special people that strive to leave a positive spark in all of their students. In this he was truly a success. God rest you Mr. D.

April 12, 2018

Mr. Dal Porto was by far one of the best. I loved going to his class and learning about US History through simulations. As much as I loved being on the soccer team, it was always difficult to leave during his class.

My deepest condolences to his family.

Mt. Pleasant High School Class of 1978

Emily Nelson

April 11, 2018

The best teachers leave a legacy, and no matter how old you become, you always remember your favorites. Without a doubt, Mr. Dal Porto was one of them, and not just for me. I remember sitting in class, and former students popping by to greet him. His class was fun yet challenging, but a bigger impact was how he made me feel. He had such a big heart. I felt important, not just another kid sitting in a desk. When I started slacking off, he called me out on my crap and pushed me to do better, in his ever loving and gentle manner. It sounds silly, but he was like Mr. Rogers in a way: so kind, caring, and inspiring. I wanted to be like him, so I majored in History so I, too, could become a US History teacher. My path may have ended up going in a different direction, but my love for history began with him.

You will be missed Mr. Dal Porto.

Barbara & Michell Turley

April 11, 2018

With all our love and gratitude to one of the world's best teachers. He not only taught us US History, he taught us about life.

Barbara & Michell Turley
Class of 1970

Wendy Levine

April 11, 2018

I will miss my cherished next door neighbor. For 10 years we had a wonderful time gardening together, doing household projects and just hanging out. Dave was an important member of our community and a fixture on the block. He was my best buddy and great friend. I miss you, Dave...

Lisa

April 11, 2018

I will always remember that smile! I have known Dave since I was 9 and we moved in across the street in 1971. You could not ask for better neighbors and friends who grew to become like family. So many memories! My heart goes out to the family and know that he will never be forgotten for the beautiful person he was.

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