Ralph O. Porter

Ralph Orville Porter, 88 of Plainville, passed away on September 28, 2023, with his wife of 60 years, Gloria, by his side following a lengthy illness that he fought with an admirable strength and determination.

Born in Bristol on April 27, 1935, "Ralphie" as he was known to many, was the son of the late Orville Arthur and Emma (Stehr) Porter.  One of three children, Ralphie's journey began in Terryville, where he graduated from high school in 1953. A natural leader, he served as the team manager for both the baseball and basketball teams. His academic achievements were recognized with the prestigious Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, marking the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to continuous growth and knowledge.  After passing the entrance exam on his first try, Ralph was admitted to UCONN, where his leadership skills shone once again as he became the team manager for both the basketball and football teams. His love for UCONN sports endured throughout his life, becoming an ardent supporter and lifelong fan.

At the age of 19, Ralph began his professional career with a surveying and engineering firm in Unionville as a rodman, working on several notable statewide projects. Two years later, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed in Munich, where he served as a vital asset in the railroad operations and supervisor of German civilians. After 18 months of honorable service, Ralph was discharged as a Sergeant and received a sharpshooter medal.

Returning to his true passion, Ralph resumed his career in the surveying and engineering field. For close to 30 years, he worked as a licensed surveyor for the Town of Farmington, leaving an indelible mark on the community he served. In 1966, he became a founding member of the Connecticut Association of Land Surveyors, reflecting his commitment to advancing the profession.

In 1963, Ralph married the love of his life, Gloria. Together, they raised three wonderful boys and shared 60 years of incredible memories filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. Ralph's dedication to family and his role as a husband, father, and grandfather will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Ralphie was a lifelong sports enthusiast; an avid Red Sox fan, he reveled in their triumphs and shared in their trials. He also found joy in watching NFL football games, NASCAR racing, stock car events, and of course, UCONN men’s and women’s basketball, with March Madness being his favorite time of year. A pivotal moment in his thrill of gambling came during a trip across the country in 1960 with his Army buddies when he visited the Star Dust Casino in Las Vegas. This passion for the slots remained with him into retirement, frequenting local casinos and Atlantic City with his family and friends whenever the opportunity arose.

In addition to his wife, Gloria, he leaves his sons, Jeffery of Plainville and Shawn, his wife Paula and their two children, Kyle and Daniella of Texas; his sister, Nancy McCampbell and many nieces and nephews.  He is now reunited with his son Christopher, who predeceased him in 1985, and his sister Joan.

Ralphie’s love for sports may be remembered with contributions to the Bristol Little League, 20 Spruce St, Bristol, CT 06010

Family and friends may gather on Thursday evening from 4-6 p.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville.  Words of remembrance will be shared at 5:30 p.m.  Committal services and military honors will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery, 151 Farmington Ave, Plainville.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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