1946
Gary
2021
Gary Porter
February 28, 1946 — December 22, 2021
Gary Franklin Porter, 75, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his bedside on Dec 22, 2021. His death was a result of complications from a hard-fought battle against leukemia.
Gary achieved through dedication and hard work a magnificent life-long career and love of education. Throughout his 50-year career, he taught at all levels: elementary, secondary, undergraduate, graduate, and adult learning. He served in education administration as both principal and vice-principal and actively mentored countless student teachers and other teachers in training. Over many decades his most challenging and engaging activities involved the thoughtful and sometimes controversial adult Sunday School lessons he would prepare and deliver.
Gary was a lifelong servant to both God and his fellow man. He was an active member of and leader in the King Street Church for over 50 years, was integral in starting the Cold Weather Drop-In Shelter and served as chairman of the board of that organization, and was a catalyst for the annual Night to Shine event.
Gary was no stranger to pranks and thoroughly enjoyed subjecting family, friends, and strangers equally to his unique humor. He loved dancing, golf, Myrtle Beach, the Baltimore Ravens, and umpiring his grandchildren’s grammar.
Gary is survived by his wife of 54 years, Shirley, daughter Joelle Blakaitis (Todd), son Mark (Jen), and 4 grandchildren, Abby, Avery, Aiden, and Ella, who endearingly call him Grandpa Gary. He is also survived by his father, Bill, sisters Kris and Kim, and brother Steve (Toni).
Gary requested that all donations in celebration of his life be made to the Cold Weather Drop-In Shelter (http://chambersburgcoldweatherdropinshelter.org) or the CHOP Children’s Fund (https://www.chop.edu/giving/our-campaign/childrens-fund).
On Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 11AM, the family will be hosting a small private funeral for immediate family with a livestream for virtual attendees. The funeral service will be available online at http://kingstreetchurch.com/funeral. A celebration of life event will be hosted for the larger community later in 2022.
Gary achieved through dedication and hard work a magnificent life-long career and love of education. Throughout his 50-year career, he taught at all levels: elementary, secondary, undergraduate, graduate, and adult learning. He served in education administration as both principal and vice-principal and actively mentored countless student teachers and other teachers in training. Over many decades his most challenging and engaging activities involved the thoughtful and sometimes controversial adult Sunday School lessons he would prepare and deliver.
Gary was a lifelong servant to both God and his fellow man. He was an active member of and leader in the King Street Church for over 50 years, was integral in starting the Cold Weather Drop-In Shelter and served as chairman of the board of that organization, and was a catalyst for the annual Night to Shine event.
Gary was no stranger to pranks and thoroughly enjoyed subjecting family, friends, and strangers equally to his unique humor. He loved dancing, golf, Myrtle Beach, the Baltimore Ravens, and umpiring his grandchildren’s grammar.
Gary is survived by his wife of 54 years, Shirley, daughter Joelle Blakaitis (Todd), son Mark (Jen), and 4 grandchildren, Abby, Avery, Aiden, and Ella, who endearingly call him Grandpa Gary. He is also survived by his father, Bill, sisters Kris and Kim, and brother Steve (Toni).
Gary requested that all donations in celebration of his life be made to the Cold Weather Drop-In Shelter (http://chambersburgcoldweatherdropinshelter.org) or the CHOP Children’s Fund (https://www.chop.edu/giving/our-campaign/childrens-fund).
On Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 11AM, the family will be hosting a small private funeral for immediate family with a livestream for virtual attendees. The funeral service will be available online at http://kingstreetchurch.com/funeral. A celebration of life event will be hosted for the larger community later in 2022.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Porter, please visit our flower store.
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Visits: 2
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors