Michael J. "Mike" Porter

Michael J. Porter, 65, of Verona Beach, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 3, 2022, after a lengthy illness. A lifelong resident of the beach, he was born in Rome, NY, on January 24, 1956, the son of Bernard J. and Beatrice A. (Anson) Porter.
A graduate of the Oneida High School, class of 1974, he spent much of his adult life working at Harden's Furniture in McConnellsville before their closure in January of 2018. He also worked for several years at Harpoon Eddies in Sylvan Beach. He then enjoyed being a Papa and getting his granddaughter off of the bus every day and spending time with her; usually sneaking as much candy as possible before Mom and Dad got home. He was a longtime weightlifter and motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed dining at his favorite restaurant, Eddie's in Sylvan Beach with his friends and family. He was a fan of the New York Yankees and Syracuse University Men's Basketball. He was a lover of all animals and found it hard to say no when a stray needed a home. He always carried dog treats with him just in case he met a new friend. He will forever be remembered as a man who would be the first person to offer to help if his friends or family needed anything.
Mike is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Brian Light, of North Bay, and a cherished granddaughter, Juliana Briann, who was his greatest joy; a special nephew, Jimmy Miles and Kelly Nelson, of Blossvale and their children, Mikayla and Dustin; a brother; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. His canine companion Cleo and â??granddog' Vance will also miss him dearly.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Paul Giudilli, Paul "Boots" Campbell, Cindy Owens, Laurie Rudnick, Jim Buhrow, Lois Light, Tammy Crawford and family, Rick Stewart, Matt Wheelock & Melinda Green, Sheila Beaulac, Fred Parker and Adele and Dan Bustos for their unending love and support over the last few months. Also, Oneida Pulmonary Specialists, St. Luke's Hospital - especially the medical staff in the IMCU including Dr. Hamerton Jeanty, Alec Lazic, Amanda Dahl, Christopher and Bobbi Jean. The care that was provided not only to Mike but to his family went above and beyond.