Allan John Porter
Allan passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on February 4, 2015 at age 77. Born in Ohio, he was the oldest son of Marie (nee Popovich) and his adoptive father Harvey Porter. Allan married the love of his life Carol (nee Messano) in 1958, and they lived in San Carlos for over 50 years. He was a devoted father to Karen Porter, Kristin Porter McAvoy and Lisa Porter; loving grandfather to Camille and Rose Porter McAvoy; and gentle ‘dogfather’ to numerous family and foster Golden Retrievers.
After serving in the Air Force, Allan worked more than 40 years for G.J. Yamas Co. of South San Francisco, which designed and installed HVAC control systems for large-scale projects. Starting as an apprentice and training on the job, he advanced to engineer/project manager and also became a co-owner and officer of the company.
Community service was another of Allan’s priorities, particularly for children’s and animal causes. In 1967, Allan and Carol joined with other parents to form the non-profit Jean Weingarten Peninsula Oral School for the Deaf to teach hearingimpaired children to talk through innovative and intensive speech therapy, and he served as a board member and treasurer of the school. For years Allan also volunteered as stage manager and set builder for musical theatre performances to raise funds for San Carlos schools and the Kiwanis Club. In addition, he helped establish and was on the board of NORCAL Golden Retriever Rescue.
While reserved by nature, Allan relished time spent in the company of family and friends, as well as cheering for the SF Giants. Allan also enjoyed home and garden projects, which his family greatly appreciated and inspired his granddaughters’ firm belief that if anything broke, “Papa’ll fix it.”
In addition to his wife, daughters and granddaughters, Allan is survived by his sister Jeanne Allison (Calvin), sister-in-law Paula Messano (Bill McGunnigle), son-in-law Jim McAvoy, a circle of friends, and his faithful Golden Retriever, Sunny. A funeral mass will be held Friday, February 20 at 10 a.m. at St. Charles Church in San Carlos, followed by a celebration lunch and private burial. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Allan’s memory to Weingarten Children’s Center of Redwood City or NORCAL Golden Retriever Rescue. For more information and to leave remembrances, please visit www.crippenandflynn.com.