Perry Lee ‘Bud’ Porter, Amtrak retiree
Perry Lee “Bud” Porter, 67, of Ocean View, and formerly of Chesapeake City, Md., passed away Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Bud was a loving husband, dad, brother, son and very special “Pop,” who enjoyed spending time with his family.
Bud was born at the Naval Base in Groton, Conn., raised in Southwest Philadelphia, Pa., and graduated from Bartram High School in 1971.
Bud proudly served in the U.S. Air Force stationed at McGuire AFB in New Jersey from 1971-75 where he was deployed to Thailand and honorably discharged after four years of service.
In 1975, he began his railroad career as a signal maintainer for Conrail, followed by many years working for Septa management, before embarking on his final employment at Amtrak as an ACELA rail line engineer. In 2014, he retired and moved to Ocean View to enjoy his retirement at the Delaware beaches with his wife Holly.
Bud was a Master Mason of the 32nd degree in the Ionic Mason Lodge 31 based in New Castle for 37 years. He was also a member of the Masonic Brotherhood Riders of Delaware, and a proud member of the local VFW Post, where he was a lifetime member.
Bud had many hobbies through the years: playing cards, horseshoes, boating, riding his Harley motorcycles with Holly, playing pool and traveling in his RV. Most of all though, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. He loved his dogs - Duke and Daisy.
Bud is survived by his loving wife of 12 years, Holly Porter; daughters: Traci Raftovich (Dan) and Michelle Porter (Anthony Morgan); stepchildren: Scott Poorman and Michelle Allen; grandchildren: Emma and Callie Raftovich, Logan Porter-Morgan, Scott and Sebastian Poorman, Brent and Lily Allen; father: Charles Porter Sr.; sister: Patricia Porter; brother: Charles Porter Jr. (Bernadette); and many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother: Evelyn Porter; and brother: Grant Jones.
A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6, with a Masonic service beginning at 2:30 p.m., at VFW Post 7687, 304 Basil Ave., Chesapeake City, Md. Due to COVID-19, there is limited seating available. Facial masks must be worn at all times and social distancing must be practiced.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Hospice: https://www.delawarehospice.org/donate/memorial-gifts.
