Porpora

Robert T. Porpora

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Robert T. Porpora, the retired owner of Big Ben Jewelers in Monticello and formerly of the Dodge Inn Restaurant in Rock Hill, died March 13 in Largo, Fla. He was 86.

He was the father of Father Robert Porpora, pastor of St. Denis parish, Hopewell Junction.  

Born in the Bronx, he was a longtime parishioner of St. Peter’s in Monticello, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and founding member of St. Peter’s Summer Festival. He was involved in the Cursillo and Day by Day Agape retreat movements.

At the time of his death, he resided in Largo, near St. Petersburg, where he had lived in retirement.

He married Anita Bonfiglio in 1956. They raised three children. She died in 2002.  

Along with Father Porpora, survivors include a daughter, Geralyn Porpora-Zayas, and another son, Anthony; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass was offered by Father Porpora March 22 at St. Peter’s Church in Monticello. Burial was in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Robert T. Porpora