Harold E. “Bud” Porter, 90, a resident of Wilbraham for most of his life, died early Monday morning, April 3, 2017 at Orchard Valley of Wilbraham, was his loving family at his side. He was born in Springfield, the son of the late Harold R. and Dorothy (Ellinwood) Porter, and was a graduate of the former Wilbraham Academy Class of 1944. Bud was extremely proud of the opportunity he was given at Wilbraham Monson Academy as it is currently known. He excelled in sports, lettering all four years and serving as the team captain of the baseball, track, soccer and hockey programs. Bud also served as the Class President and member of the Student Council and was inducted into the Wilbraham Monson Hall of Fame. He was a veteran of WW II serving with the United States Marine Corps. Bud continued his education enrolling at Bates College where he earned his BA degree Class of 1950. He lettered three times in their football, track and baseball programs and was a member of the 1946 Glass Bowl Team, and inducted into the Lewiston Sports Hall of Fame. Bud played semi-pro baseball for several years and was offered a contract to play ball for the Brooklyn Dodgers Organization. Upon his graduation Bud entered the work force and began a lengthy career in the sales division of the insurance industry for over thirty years. He became a licensed Massachusetts insurance broker and real estate agent, as well as employed for Liberty Mutual, Mass Mutual and Phoenix Mutual Insurance Companies. Bud also owned and operated the former Harold E. Porter Insurance Company located on Main Street in Wilbraham, as well as working at the Springfield Library & Museum Association. Civically minded he was a member of the Wilbraham Board of Registrars, Past President of Woodland Dell Cemetery, Past President of the Men’s Club at Wilbraham United Church, Past Director of the Springfield Exchange Club, served on the Alumni Council at Wilbraham Monson Academy, longtime member of the Country Club of Wilbraham and Wilbraham United Church, Volunteer member of the Wilbraham Fire Department, member of the Athenaeum Society, and Past Director of the Springfield Ski Club. Bud is survived by his wife and best friend of 67 years, Nancy (Sullivan) Porter and leaves a son, Jeffrey R. Porter and his wife Amy of Wilbraham; two cherished grandchildren, Cody R. Porter who affectionately called him “Pop Pop” and Mackenzie J. Porter who lovingly called him “Buttercup” both of Wilbraham. Besides his parents Bud was predeceased by his daughter Allison G. Porter in 1955 and son Scott G. Porter in 2015. His funeral with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 1:30 PM in the Wilbraham Monson Academy Chapel, 423 Main Street in Wilbraham. Burial will be private and there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers contributions in Bud’s memory may be directed to the Wilbraham Monson Academy Athletic Department, 423 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095. The Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen St., Springfield is honored to be handling the arrangements. For more information, please visit www.byronkeenan.com

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