Vincent Ralph LaPorta

Vincent Ralph LaPorta January 21, 1935 – November 28, 2025

Surrounded by his loving family, Vincent Ralph LaPorta entered eternal rest on November 28, 2025, at the age of 90. His life was a beautiful testament to love, faith, and the joy of family.

Born in Gloversville to Assunta and Clemente LaPorta, Vincent grew up learning the values of hard work, family, and faith. After graduating from Gloversville High School in 1953, he earned his Accounting degree from St. Bonaventure University in 1957 and proudly served his country in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant. Following his service, he returned to graduate school to earn his Elementary Teaching degree from The College of St. Rose, a decision that shaped the rest of his life. It was there that he met the love of his life, Jean Frances (Aurelia).

On Valentine's Day, 1965, Vincent and Jean were married, beginning a partnership filled with devotion, laughter, and faith. Together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage, raising six children-Mary Trainor (Matthew), Margaret Allen (Christopher), Anne Young (Anthony), Karen Pedrick (Terry), Andrew LaPorta (Sarah), and Brian LaPorta (Jennifer)-and building a home where love was the foundation. Vincent's greatest joy was being "Grandpa" to his ten grandchildren: Séamus and Cíana Trainor, Adam and Isabella Allen, Thomas Young, Caleb, Logan, and Jake Pedrick, Miles LaPorta, and Christian LaPorta. He delighted in attending their concerts, games, and graduations, always cheering them on and reminding them how deeply they were loved.

Vincent's Italian heritage was central to his life, and he carried forward traditions that kept his family close. He especially loved Sunday dinners, where generations gathered around the table to share food, laughter, and stories. Proudly serving as the family's "official taste tester," he often added his famous line, "I never tried that before!"-a playful touch that made every meal unforgettable.

His love of tradition also shone through in holiday gatherings and most especially the family vacations to Cape Cod. For more than 50 years, these trips were special to his family-moments anticipated with excitement, from packing up to arriving at the cottage. He brought his children, and later his grandchildren, creating traditions that spanned three generations. These vacations were filled with laughter, enjoying long beach days, building sandcastles, and the simple joy of just being together.

A dedicated teacher for 32 years, he touched countless lives in the classroom and beyond. He taught at Fonda-Fultonville and later at Boulevard Elementary School in Gloversville, where he spent many years in Room #202. He was fondly referred to by his students as their favorite teacher, remembered for his kindness, patience, and encouragement. He also served as President of the Gloversville Teachers Association and gave generously of his time to the Fulton County YMCA, the Church of the Holy Spirit, and as a founding member of the Fulton County Federal Credit Union (now First Choice Financial Credit Union), where he served on the board for 50 years, many as President.

Vincent was predeceased by his parents, brothers Frank, Alphonso, and Joseph, and his son, John Vincent. He is survived by his wife Jean, his six children, ten grandchildren, his brother Ralph LaPorta, many nieces and nephews, and first and second cousins who will carry his memory in their hearts.

The family finds comfort in knowing Vincent's legacy will live on in the traditions he created, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Vincent's honor to the Church of the Holy Spirit, 153 S. Main Street, Gloversville, NY 12078, or to the Friends of the Gloversville Public Library, 58 E. Fulton Street, Gloversville, NY 12078, reflecting his devotion to faith, learning, and community.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home of Gloversville, NY. Calling hours will be observed at the Church of the Holy Spirit from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 4. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. A reception will be held at the Church of the Holy Spirit following the Mass. Final interment will take place at a later date.