Richard Harley “Dick” Porritt, Sr., age 92, was called home to his Lord and Savior on January 17, 2014 at Swedish Hospital Rehab Center, Seattle, following a brief illness. He was born March 28, 1921 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island to George and Marion Porritt.

Richard completed his secondary education in Providence, Rhode Island and went on to complete his A.B. Degree in Economics at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina in 1943. He attended Midshipman School at the University of Notre Dame, and in September of 1943, Richard received his commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, serving as a Navigator on attack transport ships USS Electra (AKA-4) and the USS Tazewell (APA-209). He participated in several Pacific Island invasions. He was released from active duty in 1946, but remained in the Reserves until his resignation in 1954.

Richard was married to the love of his life, Jean Catherine Wadsten on September 23, 1944 at Treasure Island Naval Station, San Francisco. In 1946, Richard worked as an accountant for Gilbert Associates in Reading, PA and from 1947 to 1950, served as an auditor for the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in New York City.
In 1950, Richard left RCA and attended Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, receiving his Bachelor of Divinity degree. He was ordained by the New Jersey Synod of the United Lutheran Church in America and became Pastor of Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pleasantville, New Jersey. He continued his education, receiving his Master’s Degree in Divinity and furthered his studies in the Graduate School at Lutheran Seminary. Ten years later, he accepted a call to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Torrington, Connecticut. In 1985, 22 years later, Richard retired from the ministry and he and Jean moved permanently to Oak Harbor.

Richard enjoyed playing the piano and organ, foreign languages, camping and bowling. He had a passion for swimming and swam five days per week for many years at the John Vanderzicht Pool. He was swimming three days a week before entering the hospital last week. He loved Bible study and was constantly striving for a deeper understanding of the Bible. He was a member of Grace by the Sea Church of Oak Harbor.

Richard had a passion for technology. He was an early PC and Apple user and gained a quick knowledge of the operating capabilities of both systems. He put his knowledge to good use as a volunteer for Navy-Marine Corps Relief for 17 years.

Richard is survived by four children and their spouses: Karen and Paul Lanspery of Escondido, CA, Richard and Susan Porritt, Jr, of Oak Harbor, Donna Porritt and Samuel Bromage of Avon, CT, and Tracey and James Dunlap of Woodinville, WA.

He is also survive by grandchildren, Adrienne Reade, Michelle Fleharty, Kristin Wilson, Kelly Hahn, Aaron Bromage and Carl Dunlap, and by great grandchildren, Bentley Reade, Taryn Fleharty, McKenna Fleharty, Isabella Wilson, Liam Wilson, Rachel Hahn, Laura Hahn, Ethan Hahn, Nathaniel Bromage and Emma Bromage. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean, by one son, Michael, and grandson John Lanspery.

A Celebration of Life for Richard will be held this spring. Cremation was held with interment to follow at Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences utilizing the Book of Memories hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Cure Duchenne, 1400 Quail Street, Suite 110, Newport Beach, CA 92660 or online at www.cureduchenne.org. Please note that donations are in memory of Richard H. Porritt, Sr., grandfather of Carl Dunlap and John Lanspery.

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