Roger E. Porter passed away at his home on Monday, August 17, 2009, surrounded by family and close friends.
Roger was born in Wadsworth, Ohio, to the late Thelma and Earl Porter, on January 28, 1943. He is survived by his best friend and the love of his life for 45 years, Sally (Morrison) Porter, and loving sons Rod (Theresa) of Belleville, Michigan, and David (Kerri) of Medina and beloved grandchildren Michael, Joshua, Emily, Nicholas, and Zachary; loving sister, Joan Acuff; brothers and sisters-in law Kay and Gary Rasor and Debbie and Mike Gurich; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Roger worked in the trucking industry for 30 years and as a security guard at Wadsworth High School for two years. His love of sports led him to serve for many years as a softball umpire, and he was a familiar face and avid fan over the years at various Wadsworth sporting events. An outstanding athlete, Roger was inducted into the Wadsworth Sports Hall of Fame on October 21, 2000. He played softball for many years and rolled five 300 games in bowling. A steadfast and loyal friend, he enjoyed organizing monthly poker games with his friends from high-school days.
No one ever enjoyed retirement more, or spent the time more wisely, than Roger. While his favorite times were those spent with his five grandchildren, Roger also enjoyed traveling with friends and visiting casinos in the US, Aruba and the Bahamas. Roger was recognized as a gentle soul whose kindness touched many, many lives; he was known as a big teddy bear to every child lucky enough to know him. The best times of Roger's life were spent at home with his beloved family or enjoying life with his many friends.
The family extends its gratitude to the Akron City Hospital Oncology Unit, with special loving thanks to their exceptional nursing staff; to physicians Paul Fracasso, DO, and Douglas Trockelman, MD; and to Hospice of Wayne County.
Calling hours will be observed at Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman St., Wadsworth on Thursday, August 20, from 2 - 8 PM, with a funeral service on Friday, August 21, at 11 AM with Rev. James L. Singleton officiating.
A memorial scholarship has been established in Roger's name to benefit a Wadsworth High School girls' basketball player, and donations may be made care of the Athletic Director.