Robert Porell
<p>Robert Porell, age 94, of Port Charlotte, Florida (and Sanford, Maine) passed away on July 6, 2021 at home in Florida. He was born on October 14, 1926 to Clarence and Maria (Dumais) Porell in Sanford where he grew up.</p> <p>He departed Maine young to enlist in the United States Navy becoming a Seaman First Class earning the World War II Victory Medal and American Area Medal. In 1945, Robert participated in the commissioning of USS Charles R. Ware (DD-865) Gearing-Class Destroyer. When on land he worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a qualified Third Class, Shipfitter.</p> <p>In 1945, Robert a true gentleman, met the love of his life Ann in New York City while on furloughed leave. They married in May of 1946 and raised three beautiful children together; Stephen, Gary and Debra. He was a proud Cub Scout Den Leader. They spent summers at ‘The Camp’ enjoying skiing, fishing, camp fires and lobster bakes.</p> <p>After an honorable discharge, he worked for local companies such as Lund Manufacturing advancing his machining knowledge. In his early 40’s he became an entrepreneur opening Maine Tool and Machining Company in Alfred, Maine. He supported tool and die needs of businesses in the northeast and overtime recognized the shop requirements were changing. In 1980, the shop modernized with computerized machinery revolutionizing the manufacturing process.</p> <p>Robert and Ann retired early in life to be able to travel and enjoy time together with their family. They loved visiting new destinations, taking cruises, visiting casinos, Sunday dinners, family holidays and events. He was a loyal and active member in both the Elks and American Legion organizations.</p> <p>Ba-Ba (my grandfather) was above all a honorable, patient and kind teacher. I was his shadow, following him around, asking ‘show me how that works’ and he would. He shared with me the gift of hands-on learning and the beauty of mechanics. I am blessed and honored to have him as my grandfather.</p> <p>His memory is survived by his son Stephen in Florida, granddaughter Lynn Pepin and great-granddaughter Calissa Pepin in Maine, brother Alcide and wife Yvonne Porell in Tennessee, cherished friends Jill and Michael Debates in Florida and treasured caregiver Laura Hawley in Florida.</p> <p>He was preceded in death by his wife Ann, son Gary, daughter Debra, sisters Beatrice and Marguerite (who passed a short time before her brother).</p> <p>A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday July 23rd at 1PM at the St. Ignatius Cemetery located on Berwick Road in Sanford.</p> <p>Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes, Sanford-Springvale.</p>Obituary
Robert Porell, age 94, of Port Charlotte, Florida (and Sanford, Maine) passed away on July 6, 2021 at home in Florida. He was born on October 14, 1926 to Clarence and Maria (Dumais) Porell in Sanford where he grew up.
He departed Maine young to enlist in the United States Navy becoming a Seaman First Class earning the World War II Victory Medal and American Area Medal. In 1945, Robert participated in the commissioning of USS Charles R. Ware (DD-865) Gearing-Class Destroyer. When on land he worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a qualified Third Class, Shipfitter.
In 1945, Robert a true gentleman, met the love of his life Ann in New York City while on furloughed leave. They married in May of 1946 and raised three beautiful children together; Stephen, Gary and Debra. He was a proud Cub Scout Den Leader. They spent summers at ‘The Camp’ enjoying skiing, fishing, camp fires and lobster bakes.
After an honorable discharge, he worked for local companies such as Lund Manufacturing advancing his machining knowledge. In his early 40’s he became an entrepreneur opening Maine Tool and Machining Company in Alfred, Maine. He supported tool and die needs of businesses in the northeast and overtime recognized the shop requirements were changing. In 1980, the shop modernized with computerized machinery revolutionizing the manufacturing process.
Robert and Ann retired early in life to be able to travel and enjoy time together with their family. They loved visiting new destinations, taking cruises, visiting casinos, Sunday dinners, family holidays and events. He was a loyal and active member in both the Elks and American Legion organizations.
Ba-Ba (my grandfather) was above all a honorable, patient and kind teacher. I was his shadow, following him around, asking ‘show me how that works’ and he would. He shared with me the gift of hands-on learning and the beauty of mechanics. I am blessed and honored to have him as my grandfather.
His memory is survived by his son Stephen in Florida, granddaughter Lynn Pepin and great-granddaughter Calissa Pepin in Maine, brother Alcide and wife Yvonne Porell in Tennessee, cherished friends Jill and Michael Debates in Florida and treasured caregiver Laura Hawley in Florida.
He was preceded in death by his wife Ann, son Gary, daughter Debra, sisters Beatrice and Marguerite (who passed a short time before her brother).
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday July 23rd at 1PM at the St. Ignatius Cemetery located on Berwick Road in Sanford.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes, Sanford-Springvale.
Events
There are no events scheduled. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or plant a tree in memory of Robert Porell.
Visit the Tribute Store