Brother Fred Porter

Frederick James Porter, 79, passed away peacefully on December 4, with his family by his side. He was the son of the Late Jesse and Everett Porter.

Fred leaves behind his loving wife Nancy, three married children: Holly (Peter) Palermo, Heather (Kenneth) Smith and Christopher (Beth) Porter; and his grandchildren: Zachary Smith (deceased), Nicole Palermo (Justin), Bryant Palermo (Britney), Gabrielle and Joshua Quimby and a great granddaughter, Blake. He also leaves behind a sister-in-law Jeanne Donovan (Tommy) and three nephews: Matt, Scott and Bryan Donovan and two great-nephews, Mason and Derek.

Fred was a 1964 graduate of Hope High School in Providence. Shortly after, he met the love of his life Nancy, and they wasted no time getting married and starting a family. Nancy, as he affectionately referred to as “The Warden”, was the homemaker, raising their three children, and managing the day to day, while Fred worked three jobs to make ends meet. He was happy taking direction from her – never wanted to be the boss – just wanted to do the best he could to provide for his family in every way, which he did for 58 years. He was proud to be a Master Electrician as a member of IBEW – Local 99, where he was awarded his 50-year membership pin at a ceremony in 2022.

Fred enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, stamp collecting, ice cream, drawing, taking his dog Lucy for daily walks, puttering around in the yard, their Friday nights out at Twin Oaks, and long rides in the car – often not knowing where they were headed exactly – and never taking the same route twice!

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Fred’s Funeral Service on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Barrett and Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Burial will be private for the family.

For the past two years of his life, he was blessed to be able to attend Hope Alzheimer’s Center, where he sang, danced, laughed, and thrived while he was embraced as a part of their family. Fred’s family is extremely grateful for the care he received, and asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be directed there to help ensure they can provide the same loving care and support for others with Alzheimer’s Disease. Make a Gift – Hope Alzheimer's Center, 25 Brayton Avenue, Cranston, RI, 02920 (hopealzheimerscenter.org)

Fred’s number one passion was helping others. He came from nothing, appreciated everything, would help anyone, anytime, and asked for nothing in return – ever. He had an infectious smile, which he shared immediately with everyone he encountered. As we carry on his spirit, the family asks that you be kind to one another and grateful for even the small things in life; and please take a moment to share a favorite story or memory of him on the tribute wall.

Thank you, or as he would say, “Merci Grapenuts!”

https://www.barrettandcotter.com/obituaries/Fred-Porter?obId=33977763