Richard A. Porter, Jr., 72, of New Bedford died Tuesday September 24, 2013 suddenly at Charlton Memorial Hospital. He was the husband of Anne E. (Curry) Porter.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Richard A. and Alice M. (O’Brien) Porter, he lived in New Bedford all of his life. He had summered in his favorite place, Point Connett, Mattapoisett for many years.
Mr. Porter began his long career as a social worker for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1968 with the Office for Children. He later moved into administration with the Department of Transitional Assistance where he was still currently working in the New Bedford office. He had great passion for his work and was an advocate for the poor and disenfranchised.
He was a graduate of Holy Family High School and Boston College. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Vietnam War.
Affectionately known as “Papa”, his grandchildren brought him great joy. He loved to go out and dine in area restaurants.
Survivors include his wife; three children, Richard A. Porter III and his spouse George P. Bolger, Kristin M. Arruda and her spouse Victor J. Arruda, and Meghan C. Robitaille and her spouse Matthew T. Robitaille, all of New Bedford; two sisters, Ann L. Touhey and Rosemany P. Lucas, both of New Bedford; four grandchildren, Elizabeth A. Arruda, Alexander P. Arruda, Ellen S. Robitaille and Noah P. Robitaille; and several nieces and nephews.
His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday at St. Lawrence Church. Burial followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours were held on Friday from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com