Howard S. Porter of Vernon, N.J., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at the Westwind Manor in Franklin, N.J. He was 95.
Born in Hackensack, N.J., to the late Sherman F. and Marie (Hein) Porter, Howard was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II. Howard previously lived in Waldwick, N.J., before settling in Vernon in 1978.
A self-employed carpenter, Howard enjoyed deep sea fishing, spending time with his family, and he loved dogs. One of Howard’s proudest days was when he was part of the Honor Flight for World War II veterans from Newburgh, N.Y., to Washington, D.C., in April. The trip brought the veterans to their memorial to thank them for their service. His family accompanied him and shared this very special day with him.
He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Porter in 2006; and daughter Joanne M. Porter in 1979.
Howard is survived by his children Eileen Gardner and husband, Gary, of Vernon, James H. Porter of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Michael J. Porter and wife, Michelle, of Vernon; grandchildren, Gary Gardner Jr., Holly Terrill and husband, Bill, Kristie Lyons and husband, Elliot, Danielle Hardgrove and husband, Rob, Derek Porter, Ashley Nunez and husband, Carlos, and Daniel Porter; great-grandchildren, Kailey, Collin, Billy, and Caleb; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held March 7 at the Ferguson-Vernon Funeral Home, Vernon. A funeral service was held March 8 at the funeral home followed by burial in the Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org).