Harry Louis Porter
Connellsville
Harry Louis Porter, 102, of Connellsville, passed away peacefully in his home Sunday, February 22, 2026. He was born December 26, 1923, in Hazelwood, a son of the late Ellis C. and Jane Wilsher Porter.
Harry proudly served his country in the United States Navy in the South Pacific from 1942 to 1946.
Following his military service, he pursued a career as a master electrician with the Monongahela Railroad for 42 years.
In retirement, Harry and his beloved wife, Gloria, enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii.
At the age of 91, Harry received an honorary high school diploma from the Connellsville Area School District. He was also an avid hunter, Civil War enthusiast, reader, and storyteller.
Harry was an active member of many organizations, including the Connellsville Area Historical Society; Sons of the American Revolution; Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, Post 112; South Connellsville Rod and Gun Club; Connellsville Sportsman’s Club; South Connellsville Volunteer Fire Department; VFW Post 21 (Gold Circle Member); member of The Gettysburg Foundation since 1998; and a charter member of the World War II Memorial Society.
Harry is survived by his three daughters: Janice (Joseph) Sefcik of Medina, Ohio; Deborah Porter of Berea, Ohio; and Barbara (Richard) Husband of Connellsville; his granddaughters, Kathryn (Andrew) DeUnger, Sarah (Richard) Ely, Erica (Keith) Pollock, and Laura (Joseph) Bucci; his great-grandchildren, Clara, Cameron, Anna, Carter, Josiah, Leah, Noah, Natalie, and Gemma; and his sister-in-law, Judy Walk Porter.
In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Gloria Jean Smith Porter; and by his siblings, Kathryn Porter, Jack Porter, and Ellis D. Porter.
Harry’s family extends its gratitude to his caregivers, Donna Leonard, Lynn Cicio, and Anne Nagarajan, for their exceptional care and compassion. Harry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, and he will be greatly missed.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Harry’s life at VITO C. MARTUCCI FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 123 South First Street, West Side, Connellsville, Friday, February 27, from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, February 28, from 10 to 11 a.m. A service will follow, with Pastor Bruce Anthony officiating.
Interment will take place at Green Ridge Memorial Park, where full military honors will be accorded by members of American Legion Post 301 and VFW Post 21.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in Harry’s memory, to the Connellsville Area Historical Society, 217 W. Patterson Avenue, Connellsville, PA 15425.
To sign the guest registry, please visit www.martuccifuneralhome.com