Ruth Mabel Porter

Ruth was born November 20, 1935 in Brooklyn NY, the tenth and youngest child of Adam and Lydia Porter. She died in hospice care with her family at her side in Fort Myers Florida after a long struggle with cancer. She leaves behind her much loved and sole surviving older sister Maisie along with many devoted nieces and nephews spread throughout the country.

At the age of seventeen, Ruth was only the second child of Adam and Lydia to graduate high school. A first generation child of Scottish and English immigrants, she excelled in both academics and athletics. Upon graduation she sought professional training and began a career in banking and public finance with the New York State Banking Authority, retiring in 1995 as a Senior State Bank Examiner.

Ruth was able to balance a fierce independence with love and devotion for all whose lives she touched. After she lost her mother at the age of fifteen, Ruth, Maisie and brother Arthur were raised by their seven older siblings: Jane (Jenny) Fearon, William (Bill), Edith (Ada) Duffy, Mary Lundsten, Marjorie (Madge) Wakefield, Leonard (Lenny) and John (Jack). Ruth in turn became care giver for her father until his passing in 1972. Pop Porter’s neat and tidy home on Joval Court in Gerritsen Beach was the center of the world for the extended Porter clan. Mirth and merriment emanated from frequent gatherings of the extended family with help of the occasional appearance of scotch and rye whisky.

Ruth moved to Southbridge Towers on Pearl Street in lower Manhattan in 1976 where she lived for forty years. She leaves many devoted friends at Southbridge including Sylvia, Arlene, Seymour and Bing to name just a few. Truly a native New Yorker, she will be missed by many.

Never married, Ruth let her love light shine over countless friends and family. Her brightest light was shed on her loving companion and partner of many years, Dr. Philip Wald, MD who was taken from us unexpectedly in 1982.

Ruth inspired others with her entrepreneurial spirit and drive. Her quiet demeanor belied a mind that was sharp and a wit to match. Her generosity was beyond compare. Her accomplishments were many: founder and partner of a successful medical practice school, licensed recreational pilot, activist, association President, home builder and investor.

If the record of a life is measured by good works, then Ruth’s life was a productive and earnest endeavor. Any of her nieces or nephews, their parents or her friends or can attest to Ruth’s unconditional love and support bestowed generously through the years. She gave of herself, to the point of great sacrifice at times, to ensure her siblings and their families were well cared for. She was equally generous with friends, colleagues and acquaintances.

While inescapable mortality has taken her from us, her best days lie ahead, living through those she touched and taught, loved and lost; the world is a better place for what she leaves behind. May God grant her peace, bestow many blessings and let eternal light shine upon her.

Memorial services are planned in Fort Myers, Florida at the Cypress Lakes Gardens Condominium Association clubhouse on April 20th, 2017 and in New York on April 30th, 2017 at a lower Manhattan location to be determined. Memorial donations may made to the American Cancer Society or the Hospice of your choice. For online condolences and further information including the family’s contact information, please visit: http://www.dignitymemorial.com/hodges-kiser-funeral-home.

Arrangements under the direction of HODGES-KISER FUNERAL HOME, Fort Myers, FL.