Former Vice President of Agway Research & Development, Inc., he directed research and development at the former farmer-owned cooperative from 1970 until his retirement in 1988.
He was an active member of Dewitt Community Church and was cited for his long volunteer service. He volunteered where needed, assisting with a Living with Loss Group and a Member of Finance Committee. Dr. Porter was raised on a dairy farm in Westfield, Massachusetts, and went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry at the University of Massachusetts. He then earned his master’s degree in dairy science at the University of Connecticut. While teaching at the Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Porter was granted the doctorate in dairy science. He was honored in 1986 by the University of Massachusetts in being named a distinguished alumnus of the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. He was further honored in 1988 by being selected to deliver the commencement address at the Pennsylvania State University College of Agriculture.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley, daughters Lynne Porter of Vermont, Leigh Johnstone (Fred) of So. Burlington, VT; a sister Beverly Emard of Shrewsbury, MA; 7 grandchildren Larissa Naro, Ashley Nuttall (Jeffery), Meriel Bernal (Edwin), Kelsey Naro, Christopher Johnstone (Sarah), Lindsay (Steve) Bergeron; 5 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson Porter Johnstone; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, the former Wilma Wolfe, and his brothers, Kenneth and Calvin.
A celebration of Gil’s life will be held at 10:30 on Saturday July 8, 2017 at the Dewitt Community Church. Burial will be in the Dewitt Cemetery at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, contribution in Dr. Porter’s memory may be made to the Dewitt Community Church Foundation, 3600 Erie Blvd., East Syracuse.
Gil’s family and many friends will remember him a man of generosity, warmth and keen insight with a profound religious faith.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Homes.
To send a condolence and sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com
