Francis Joseph Porto

Waterbury – Mr. Francis J. “Frankie” Porto, 93, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, at his home. He was the loving husband of the late Angeline (Fornito) Porto.

Mr. Porto was born on February 17, 1926 in Waterbury, son of the late Frank and Marie (Ezzo) Porto. Raised in Waterbury, he attended local schools and Leavenworth High School until joining the Navy at age 17. He served in the Normandy invasion aboard the LST 356 as a Boatsin Mate 3rd class. After being discharged from the service, Frank met the love of his life, Angeline. They were married on August 20, 1949 and enjoyed 62 years together until her death in 2012.

Frank worked for both Plume and Atwood Co. and Scovill Mfg. Co. until his recall to the Navy to serve in the Korean War. He had a profound love for his flag and country. He tried to reenlist during the Vietnam War but was restricted because of his age. After completion of service, Frank worked for the City of Waterbury Street Department and then as a mail handler for the US Postal Service. He retired in 1989. Frank was active in local politics and in his community. He was a former City Constable and was a Past Faithful Navigator and a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and was very active in the parish. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and Forever Young Society. He served as an usher, volunteered to beautify the grounds of the church and the St. Francis Pavilion and worked at the annual feast. He was awarded the Medal of St. Joseph by the Archdiocese of Hartford for his service to the church in 2003.

He is survived many nieces and nephews and many, many friends. In addition to his wife, Frank was predeceased by two brothers, Ralph E. Porto and Anthony E. Porto and two sisters, Louise Tortorici and Marie Moskaluk.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 2, from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Bergin Funeral Home 290 East Main St. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, June 3, at 9:30 A.M. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church 785 Highland Ave. Waterbury. Burial with full military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery. For more information or to send notes of sympathy and comfort to Frank’s family please visit his tribute page at www.berginfuneralhome.com

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