Gabriel Porto, 89, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 11, 2023. Born in the family home on Elmwood Ave. in Niagara Falls, he weighed 10 pounds, 10 ounces and came into this world on the 10th minute of the 10th hour of the 10th day of the 10th month in the year of 1934. The 9th of 10 children, he was the son of the late Gaspare and Frances (Corsaro) Porto; and the husband of the late Josephine (Bartolomei) Porto.
Gabriel graduated from Niagara Falls High School and earned his Master’s degree from Arizona State University in Art History. He was a proud American and formerly served in the United States Army National Guard until his honorable discharge.
Gabriel taught Art and Photography at Niagara Falls High School for 30 years prior to his retirement in 1990. In his retirement, he began his own small business Painting With Wine which combined his three passions – teaching, painting and drinking wine. He was also very proud of his Italian heritage and at the age of 88 wrote and published a book entitled “Memoirs of an Italian American.”
Gabriel was a member of the Stadium Grill Sportsman Club and enjoyed golfing. Buddy, as he was affectionally known by his family, centered his life around making memories with his beloved family, especially his adored grandchildren.
Gabriel is survived by his children, Damita (late Jim) DeBowes and Joseph (Nancy) Porto; his grandchildren, James (Gia) DeBowes, Angelica Porto, Kaleigh DeBowes and Romeo Porto (Sophia); one great-grandchild, Jai Bear Porto; his sister, Georgina (Al) Clark, his step-children, Edward (Claudine) Carlo and Peter (Janine) Carlo; and his step-grandchildren, Nicholas Carlo, Vincent Carlo, Peter Carlo Jr., Dominic Carlo and Gabby Carlo; and many nieces and nephews as well as his best friend Gary Bongiovanni. A special thanks to his four guardian angels Lisa Lariccia, Cathy Dunn, Billy Hayes, and Frank Martinez Jr. He is also survived by his former wife Barbara Porto. He was predeceased by his siblings, James (late Regina) Porto, Nancy (late Lawrence) Albee, Margaret (late James) Vaccarella, Catherine (late Frank) Martinez, Jeanne Porto and Gloria (late Dominic) Lariccia.
Visitation will be on Friday, December 15 from 3 – 7 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will begin on Saturday at 11:00 AM. Memorial offerings may be made to the Salvation Army at easternusa.salvationarmy.org/empire/niagara-falls/. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
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