Harry Richard Porter Jr. passed away on Saturday, November 9th, 2024, surrounded by his loving and cherished family.
Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Harry was a graduate of McKean High School and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware. Throughout his career, Harry held numerous project management roles with his favorite being those at the DuPont Experimental Station where he was recognized for outstanding quality and safety. During the Jeff Gordon years at the Monster Mile, Harry was known to use those same DuPont credentials to covertly gain access to the infield pits. Always the humanitarian, he was active in the community, serving as a volunteer firefighter at the Talleyville Fire Company. It was during those late nights at the firehouse where Harry fell in love with the accordion and later went on to cover 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy). As an avid bowler, Harry participated in many local, state, and national tournaments, earning the highly coveted “Shuttle Commander” award during a trip to Syracuse in 1999, a feat that goes unmatched to this very day. As an accredited Wilmington historian, he never missed an opportunity to share his local knowledge with an up-and-coming scholar. Harry’s true passion in life was being a proud Pop-Pop to his nine amazing grandchildren, which was on full display in the days and weeks leading up to his death.
Harry is survived by his devoted wife, Marjorie; his sons, Harry R., Erik M. and his wife, Michelle, as well as Donald A. and his wife, Marrisha; nine grandchildren, Alexus, Erik Jr. and his wife, Madissen, Sasha, Sara and her husband, Benjamin, Kiaira, Devynn, Victoria, Harry IV, and Grant; in addition to his brother, Philip, and sister, Dawn.
A celebration of life will be held January 2025, details to follow.
The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, aides, and AccentCare Hospice for their care, compassion, and support during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Talleyville Fire Company, 3919 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.
