Henry C. Porter

SALEM – Henry Clayton Porter, 81, beloved uncle and friend to many, died Friday, April 12, 2024. Born and raised in Salem and Norton, he was the son of the late Ralph Cameron Sr. and Kathleen (Rooney) Porter. He received his education in the Salem and Norton school systems and earned a bachelor’s degree from Drew University, where he met many life-long friends. Mr. Porter went on to achieve his law degree from Northeastern University and served in private and public practice throughout his career. An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country in a tour of duty during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Army where he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. Typical of his determination, Henry took the law school entrance exam while serving in Vietnam.

Henry enjoyed tennis, golf, joking with his brother, high school basketball, Saratoga, the Sunday crossword, Friday nights out with friends, sending terrible jokes via email and chiding his friends and family at all turns. If you were on the receiving end, you were special to Henry.

His family and friends feel so grateful to have had him in their lives. Henry is appreciated and remembered by his nieces Heidi Porter of Salem, Kathleen Galloway of Albuquerque, Meg Galloway and JannaLyn Allen of Houston, his sister-in-law Toni Porter of Salem, cousins Raymond Lavender of Danvers and Donald Lavender of Beverly and many friends from the Salem area and afar. He was also the brother of the late Ralph “Sandy” Porter and Margaret “Peggy” Galloway.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to his visiting hours which will be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals- Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Friday, April 19th from 4 to 6 P.M. Military Honors will be held at 5:00 pm. Burial will be private. If so inclined in remembering Henry, consider a contribution in his name to Joe Biden’s 2024 presidential campaign - https://joebiden.com/

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