George Porter

George W. “Bill” Porter, 89, of Eckhart, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center.

Born December 28, 1924, in Eckhart, he was the son of the late Nathan and Mildred (Porter) Porter.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by grandson, Brandon Lee Porter; son, William Dennis Porter; and sister Mary Jane Pifalo.

Bill was a United States Naval Veteran of World War II and served with the Amphibious Forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations, attaining the rank of Petty Officer 2 ^nd Class.

Upon discharge, he worked in the coal mining business for six or seven years with his dad, then went to trade school at Zimmerlas Machine Works in Cumberland.  Mr. Zimmerlas soon hired him to work for him.  Later, Otis Elevator needed a man to work servicing and inspecting elevators in this area and he took a position with them.  He worked for 32 years for Otis with John Furstenberg who he often said made those years a real pleasure.  He was his best and most faithful friend.

He loved woodworking from a small boy and he often said his pleasure was working, making or doing something with his hands.  After retirement, he helped both sons with getting their homes built and enjoyed working with them all these years.

He was a Methodist by faith attending Eckhart United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Leona Mae “Nonie” (Holsinger) Porter; son, Warren Lee Porter and wife Barbara of Eckhart; daughter-in-law, Joyce Porter of Myrtle Beach; grandchildren, Jeffrey Porter and wife Sharon of Myrtle Beach, SC, Jennifer O’Baker and husband Troy of Frederick, MD; step-granddaughter, Jessica Farris and husband Corey of Eckhart; great-grandchildren, Evan Porter, Ian Porter, both of Myrtle Beach, Cabryn Farris and Lilly Farris, both of Eckhart; sisters, Mina Pifalo, of Pittburgh and Shirley Robertson, of Morgantown; and numerous nieces and nephews.