Albert Laporte

Mr. Albert "Al" LaPorte, 78, of Herkimer, loving husband of Georgette LaPorte, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Sunday, February 8, 2004 in Faxton Hospital, Utica. At the time of his passing he was surrounded with the love and support of his entire family. He was born on March 4, 1925 a son of the late Antoine and Victoria (LaLone) LaPorte in Tupper Lake, NY and was raised in Brandreth Lake, NY. He was first united in marriage with the former Barbara Holleran who preceded Al in death. On May 24, 1986, Al was united in Holy Matrimony with his beloved Georgette in the Episcopal Church, Ilion. Throughout their 17-year union, Al and Georgette drew great strength from one another and from their mutual devotion. A proud and dedicated United States Veteran he served with the United States Army enlisting on May 26, 1943 and was honorably discharged on January 22, 1946 holding the rank of corporal. Rightfully well decorated, he earned the Good Conduct Medal, Silver Star World War II Victory Medal, American Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge and the EAME Service Medal. He served in the Central Europe and Rhineland campaigns. His last professional association was with the former Library Bureau in Herkimer where he was Forest Product Supervisor, retiring at the age of 62 after several years of dedicated service. He was a communicant of St. Francis de Sales Church, Herkimer, Herkimer VFW Post #4915 and the Mohawk American Legion Post # . Following retirment, Al and his wife owned and operated their own craft business named Wood Bin Crafts, selling "knick knacks" and crafts to many throughout the valley. Al was a man who brought joy and happiness to all family or social occasions, he made his welcome and welcoming presence known to a gathering of people as soon as he came into a room. As a husband, father and grandfather, he shared with his children his own deeply revered values and traditions, strongly emphasizing family as the most important of them all. In addition, Al kindly and with compassion encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue their interests with unyielding vigor, clear vision and courage. He taught his family through example and with saintly patience, personifying for them the enduring benefits of family bonds. He will live on in his loved ones hearts and be remembered for his steadfast commitment to family life. In his leisure time, Al truly enjoyed the outdoors along with fishing camping, bird watching and especially gardening. Combining his gardening skills, his deep love of nature, he expended his time and care for the natural wonders and beauties of God's creation. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Georgette of Herkimer, seven children, Timothy LaPorte and wife Karen of Virginia, Mary Susan Hight and husband Fred of Frankfort, Kathy VanValkenburg and husband Greg of Frankfort, Michael LaPorte and wife Jamie of Newport, Paul LaPorte and wife Angela, Gary LaPorte of Herkimer, and Patrick LaPorte and wife Barb of Mohawk, three stepchildren, Tami Stevens and husband Lawrence of Rome, Debra Sutton of Ilion and Ted Sutton of Herkimer, two brothers, Edmund LaPorte of Herkimer and Norman LaPorte and wife Ardis of Schnecteday, a sister, Cecilia Lane of Delanson, NY, twenty five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by a son Thomas LaPorte and by seven siblings. Visitation at the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 from 4- 8 p.m. Al's funeral will commence at 9 am on Wednesday morning, Feb. 11, 2004 from the chapel of the funeral home where a prayer service will be held, thence to St. Francis de Sales Church, N. Bellinger St., Herkimer where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am by the Rev. Mark Cunningham, who serves as pastor. Al will be laid to rest this spring in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer. Expressions of sympathy may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Envelopes are available at the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home. The family is grateful to all the caregivers who assisted and helped Al and his loved ones, offered encouragement and support during this difficult time, especially mentioning, the entire staff at Faxton Hospital in Utica, Dr. Desai, Dr. Butala and of course the 3rd floor nurses and staff. Your personal care was of great comfort to the family. The following organizations are asked to gather at the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home on Tuesday for ritualistic services: American Legion Post #25 at 6:00 p.m. and the VFW Post #4915 at 6:30 p.m. When I must leave you for a little while -- please do not grieve and shed wild tears and hug your sorrow to you through the years, But start out bravely with a gallant smile: And for my sake and in my name live on and do all things the same, Feed not your loneliness on empty days, But fill each waking hour in useful ways, Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer and I in turn will com- fort you and hold you near; And never, never be afraid to die, For I am waiting for you in the sky.