Porter

Ralph James Porter Jr., 82, of Portersville, passed away Tuesday morning, March 3, 2026, at Butler Memorial Hospital, following an extended illness.

Born Jan. 8, 1944, in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Ralph J. and Virginia E. Moore Porter Sr.

Ralph was a 1961 graduate of Slippery Rock High School.

A U.S. Army veteran, he proudly served his country from 1964 to 1966 in Okinawa, Japan, during the Vietnam War.

Over his lifetime, he worked various jobs in metal, fabrication and equipment operator. He worked for 15 years at Mathews Conveyor Co. in Ellwood City and 30 years at Fb Leopold Co. in Zelienople.

Ralph enjoyed working the 100-year-old farm in Portersville that his grandfather and father did before him. He also enjoyed raising beef cattle as a hobby.

He is survived by his wife, Leona R. Fulton Porter, whom he married April 28, 1967; and his son, Jason Porter, of Portersville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Waneata VanKirk Rowlands; and his niece, Tammy VanKirk Sharon.

“Remember me with joy and laughter for that’s how I’ll remember you. If you only remember me with tears, then don’t remember me at all.”

PORTER — Per his wishes there are no public services, for Ralph James Porter Jr., who died Tuesday, March 3, 2026. His cremation was entrusted to RAISLEY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 387 Main St., Prospect.

You may leave an online tribute at www.raisleyfuneralhome.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.