Donald C Porter, of Batavia passed away on January 13, 2025 at the age of 94 years and 362 days.
Born the middle child of the late William J. and Bernice Bartz Porter, Don was an avid adventurer, euchre card-shark, and master storyteller.
During the Korean War, Don was assigned to the 329th Communication Division intercepting enemy transmissions. While serving with the army, Don was rescued from boarding the wrong train by a directionally savvy Loraine Ivison (the kid sister of a fellow soldier). Once on the right track, Don began corresponding with Loraine frequently throughout his deployment. They were married shortly after the war.
After completing a post-war degree at Erie Tech, Don was employed as a civil engineer for the NY Department of Transportation from 1956-1988, where he designed, supervised, and inspected bridge projects throughout western NY. He also designed the drainage culverts for the earliest iterations of the Erie Canal Bike Path from the widewaters in Pittsford to the west for the state.
Upon retirement, Don perfected his talent for photography while touring all 50 states with Loraine in their RV. By 1991 they had settled in central FL where Don continued to work on planning boards well into his 80s. Don grew his interest in golf, working at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bayhill for many years, and playing with “The Nasty-Niners” league at Zellwood Station until moving back to NY to be closer to family in the spring of 2022.
Don is predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Loraine Ivison Porter, son Thomas Porter, and four siblings: Bill Porter, Norma Maliszewski. Lorraine Nash, and Jack Porter. He is survived by his children: David Porter, Barbara Porter, and Nancy (Bill) Porter Yochum. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Jillian (Nick) Yochum Gauer, W. D. Yochum, Sara Peckham, Ian Peckham, Cassandra (Dan) Yochum-Palino, and Daemon Porter; two great grandsons: Samuel and Liam Gauer; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Don will be interred at the Byron Cemetery during a private ceremony. Memorials in Don’s name may be made to Serenity House Hospice, 1278 Brace Rd, Victor, NY whose volunteers and staff kept Don in smiles, laughs, and warm baked goods during his stay.
Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements for Don were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.
