David K. Porter

David Kenneth Porter, a lifelong resident of Hebron, Conn. died peacefully at home on Sunday, October 29, 2023. He was 105 years old, born in a home on Church Street in Hebron on September 28, 1918. David was the son of the late Clarence and Alma (Levere) Porter. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Aceynath Jones Porter in 2016. They were happily married for 71 years.

David was a graduate of Windham High School in Willimantic. As a member of the greatest generation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1940 and served in World War II. Those years included basic training in Newport, Rhode Island, assignments to several ships and aircraft carriers throughout the war, primarily the U.S.S Saratoga. David was in several battles and actions in the South Pacific plus the landing and occupation of Japan. While on military leave in November 1944, David and Aceynath were married at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Hebron. After being honorably discharged in 1946 and upon returning to Connecticut, he built the house where they raised their two daughters, Claudia and Denise.

As a licensed electrician, David worked many construction jobs in Connecticut and the northeast. He seemed to know every back road in the state and where they would lead. David was a life member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – Local 35. He also was a member of the American Legion Post 95 in Hebron, the VFW Post 1724 in Willimantic, and the Army and Navy Club in Manchester.

Throughout his life, David proudly marched in many of Hebron’s Memorial Day parades. He was known to share detailed histories and stories about Hebron. He watched the construction of the Route 66 roadway, including the original ‘Frog Rock’ (currently known as Eagle Rock), and witnessed firsthand the devastation of Hebron Center caused by the 1938 hurricane. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing, hunting, boating, card games, and bee keeping. Many memories were made on family vacations to the Connecticut shore, going to the autumn country fairs, and traveling in the U.S. with Aceynath during their retirement years.

David leaves his loving daughters and son in law, Denise and Edward Jankovic, and Claudia Haeckel. Also, four cherished grandsons: David and Jenni Haeckel, Stephen and Kelly Haeckel, Michael and Jillian Jankovic, and Matthew Jankovic. He looked forward to seeing and hearing about his five treasured great-grandchildren Kaden, Jaxen, and Landon Haeckel, and Ava and Joseph Jankovic. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife Aceynath, David was predeceased by his four siblings and their spouses Howard, Leonard, G. Earl Porter, and Clare Cloud; and three nephews James and Daniel Porter, and Kyle Buttice.

David loved his family, his town, and his country and will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

There will be no calling hours. His funeral service will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 12:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Hebron. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in David’s name to: Hebron Fire Department, 44 Main St. Hebron, CT 06248; or Army and Navy Club, 1090 Main St. Manchester, CT 06040.