Howard P. Porter

FUNERAL HOME

Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home - Framingham

53 Beech St.

Framingham, Massachusetts

Howard Porter Obituary

Howard Prescott Porter, age 75, a lifelong resident of Framingham, passed away Friday, July 9, 2010 after a six year battle with Parkinson's Disease. He passed quietly in his home of 53 years surrounded by loved ones. He served three years in the elite Marine Corps. "Presidential Ceremonial Honor Guard" in Washington, D.C. He owned and operated Porter Plumbing and was a plumbing and gas inspector for 30 years in Sudbury. His favorite pastimes were elaborate camping trips with his late brother-in-law, Brad Mattsen; his children and many friends; and cooking, cooking, cooking. Howard and his wife founded River's Edge Garden Center in Framingham 53 years ago, and loved growing his tomatoes and hot peppers. He leaves behind Donna (Gould) Porter, his high school sweetheart and wife of 55 years; his beloved daughter, Jennifer Lyn Porter; his caring sister, Linda Mattsen; his brother Dennis Porter; two sons, two granddaughters and many nieces, nephews. He also leaves his caregivers, and all his dear friends and five dogs who helped make this difficult time a little easier with their smiles, encouragement and cuddles. He will be forever missed. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Friday, July 16, 2010, at 10 a.m., at Cushing Memorial Chapel, Dudley Road, Framingham. Burial will follow in Edgell Grove Cemetery, Framingham. Visiting hours at the Norton Funeral Home, www.nortonfuneralhome.com, 53 Beech St., (corner of Union Avenue) Framingham will be Thursday, from 4-7 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in Mr. Porter's memory may be made to an animal shelter or animal rescue league in your local area.

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

Published by MetroWest Daily News on Jul. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Porter

14 Entries

Barbara

July 7, 2021

Miss you every day Mr P. Jenna I know your heart is broken and this is a hard time for you. I you. Stay strong and remember what an incredible and loving dad he was .

Carol Wright

July 25, 2010

Dear Howard, Sandy, and all of your family,
I was very sorry to learn of the passing of Howard Sr.Although I did not really know him, I gather from the wonderful tributes of others, that he was a very special man.I know what a sad loss this is for you and I send my sympathy to you all. love, Carol

Sue Davis

July 19, 2010

Hi Jen-
Just found out that you lost your Dad, I am so sad to have missed his funeral. Every day when I water my gorgeous Rivers Edge flowers and veggies, I hear Howard's voice giving me directions. You have been a rock of support & unconditional loving grace to your folks and the business. Sending you a big hug and wishes for peace and serenity in the coming days. Love, Sue Davis

July 16, 2010

Dear P,
You were the first person I worked with at River's Edge, and we repotted tomatoes. It was pouring rain and I was plant stupid -- never gardened at all. You were patient and answered all of my dumb questions. It was around 1997. Kelly Newman and I worked at DeWolfe and she said I might like working Saturdays in Framingham. Of course, since it was a job interview, I wore a skirt and nice shoes. After slogging through the mud and goop to see Jenny the burro and the donkeys, those shoes were history. I remember Donna looking me over with pity. Years later she told me she'd thought I'd never make it. Well, here I am, Howard. Proud to be a part of the best family ever. Happy to have shared your ups and downs. And ever so sad that you've left us so damn early. Jeez, P -- we needed more time with you. I want the cheese potatoes and deviled eggs. I want the big laugh. (We did have a big laugh at the end, though, which I will treasure.) I want the answers to the gardening questions from customers. I want the dog biscuits and the never ending parade of pups at your feet. Most of all, I want to see your smile, which will live in my heart forever. You know that I have not been as fortunate as Jenna to have had a wonderful father and I thank you for all you've given me over the years. I couldn't have asked for a better "dad" and only can wish that I'd met you long ago. I love you, P. God bless you. Love forever, Mary Parker, aka, Murphy

July 16, 2010

Thank you Howard, for the inspiration and use of your beautiful Rivers Edge Garden Center as the backdrop for the "B.A.B.E.S... Naturally" 2010 calendars. You enjoyed the girls coming to Rivers Edge on their motorcycles and posing for the calendars to benefit local Parkinson's patients and their families. It was an honor and our privilege to work with you, Donna and Jenna in this endeavor. Always a Marine, Semper Fi.
Cyndee
BABE 1

July 15, 2010

Jenna and Donna - Mary and I are so saddened to hear the passing of P. We are especially glad that we stopped by the garden center a few months ago and had the chance to talk with P. A Marine's watch never ends, P is know part of a much higher cermonial honor guard.
Our love and prays to all. Semper Fidelis.
Dennis and Mary (Sparta NJ)

Mary Belle Gentry

July 13, 2010

Howard Porter ... one of the last true gentlemen. He laughed at my jokes and I laughed at his. We would sit and tell stories, he had more, I always learned something. He gave us all Jenna Porter, one of my favorite people ever. I'll miss you sweet man. Rest now. Semper Fi!

Barbara Schmidt

July 13, 2010

Jenna,
I love you. You were so wonderful to your dad. I know it has been hard but you know he is at peace and smiling down on all off us. Be strong and hold those meomories close. Love always and forever-Barb

Foster Family

July 13, 2010

He was the most carrying, giving, high-spirited human being I have EVER met. He was a mentor and a comedian for everyone. He made me proud and happy and always made me laugh. He was one of those people words can't explain. He'll be in our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers.
He was a man who anyone would love as a father.
We love you,
Jack, Jackie, Sammy, Thiara, and Rafael

Eileen Feldman

July 13, 2010

I am so very sorry for your loss. I always cherished the chats I had with Howard when I went to Rivers Edge. He had the best smile, was such a charmer, and despite his own problems he was always concerned about others. I will truly miss him.

Dennis & Christine Porter

July 13, 2010

Jenna - we are so truly sorry for your loss. Losing a father that means so much to you is exceptionally hard. You were and will always be a wonderful daughter to Howard and he loved you tremendously. You're in our prayers!

Susan Cugini

July 13, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Both Howard and Donna made such an impression on me as people when I was involved with his care through Dr. Desai's office. My heart goes out to Donna and the rest of the family for losing such a nice man.

John/Carol Family

July 13, 2010

Thank you for all the smiles and fun you gave to us. You were always their to help. Miss you already..

July 13, 2010

Howard will be truly missed by so many people, he was a amazing man who suffered with such grace, he was alays smiling in spite of his pain, he would sit in his wheelchair either outside at Rivers Edge or in his home surrounded by people he loved and loved him back- always with that beautiful smile and a laugh. He will be truly missed but his spirit will live on through his wondeful daughter Jenna, Donna, Auntie Linda and all of their friends and families. God Bless Howard and rest in peace- you deserve it- With Much Love and Prayers- Liz Jutkiewicz

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