Obituary of Paul Porter

Paul Joseph Porter, Owner of Bay State Appliance in Somerville for over 40 years, passed away on Monday afternoon, April 23, 2012. He was 82 years old. Paul was born in East Boston, the son of the late Manford and Madeline Porter. He grew up and was educated in East Boston. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army serving from February of 1947 to March of 1953. He served in the Occupation of Germany and during the Korea War. He was stationed in Europe as a member of the 67th MP Company and was the recipient of the WW II Occupation Medal and Good Conduct Medal. It was during his time in Europe that he fell in love with a girl from Austria, Hilda Hufnagle. They were married and settled in Burlington in 1965 to raise their 3 children. Paul owned Bay State Appliance in Somerville for over 40 years. He loved his work and many loyal customers. He retired in his mid sixties. He had a difficult time adjusting to retirement so he worked at Burlington Dodge for a spell, before becoming manager of the Vacuum Store in Billerica, which he ran until his was 80 years old. He enjoyed keeping busy, interacting with the customers, and feeling productive. He didn’t need to work, he just liked it. In his leisure time he was a member of the Burlington Knights of Columbus and a past member of the Touch Down Club in Arlington. He enjoyed traveling with his family, reading, and movies, especially science fiction. He loved his family, home, and his country. Paul was the beloved husband of the late Hilda M. (Hufnagle) Porter. He was the father of Diana Bielecki of Tewksbury, Lorraine DeSalvo of Plaistow, NH, and Paul Porter, Jr. of Sandown, NH. He was predeceased by his sister; Marie Manganello. He was the grandfather of Robert, Renee, Gregory, Peter, Jillian, Natalie, Christopher, and Brandon. He was also survived by several great grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Thursday, April 26 from 5-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Barbara’s Church, 138 Cambridge Rd, Woburn on Friday April 27 at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Paul’s name may be made to VistaCare Hospice, 2 Willow St., Suite 102, Southborough, MA 01745.