Obituary for E. Thomas Porter
E. Thomas Porter passed away on January 17, 2020. Born May 30, 1948 in Boston, son of
Edward Herbert Porter and Martha Little (Porter) Speers, Tom was a long time resident of
Massachusetts having renovated homes in Melrose, Saugus and Winchester. Raised in
Winchester by his mother and step father, William J. Speers, Jr., he graduated from Belmont Hill
School in 1967 and Duke University in 1971 as an English major and returned to complete a
degree in mechanical engineering in 1982. Tom established E.T. Porter Construction Company
in the early 1980s and much of that work involved building and renovating homes, the structures
he took great care to protect, revive and embellish as if original. Playing golf was a life-long
passion and he continually endeavored to reshape his skills. He played casual golf but also
thrilled in participating in MGA and USGA competitions. Those who knew him understood his
energy and enthusiasm for all that he did and knew he was likely to share his latest revelation
on how to improve his golf swing (and maybe yours)!
Most important of all was the love and care for his family. He leaves behind his wife of 44 years,
Elizabeth A. (Relihan) Porter, and their beautiful children- daughter Abigail Porter Coyle
(Patrick), and their sons, William Thomas Porter and Edward Dary Porter (Alexandra). Also five
grandchildren, Jack Porter Coyle, Patrick Bogardus Coyle, Tula Marian Coyle, Benjamin George
Porter and Natalie Darwyn Porter. He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather who
had a unique gift of sharing joy, love and his special humor.
He also leaves several siblings Gayle Porter Lewis, Pamela Speers Hayes, William J. Speers,
III, Elliot Speers, Brooks Scott Porter, Peter Brooks Porter and Anne Porter Jackman, along with
many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Tom’s life on Saturday, February 1st, 2020 at the
First Congregational Church, 21 Church Street, Winchester, MA at 11 am. In lieu of flowers,
please make donations to the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, Lahey Burlington or a charity of
your choice.
Edward Herbert Porter and Martha Little (Porter) Speers, Tom was a long time resident of
Massachusetts having renovated homes in Melrose, Saugus and Winchester. Raised in
Winchester by his mother and step father, William J. Speers, Jr., he graduated from Belmont Hill
School in 1967 and Duke University in 1971 as an English major and returned to complete a
degree in mechanical engineering in 1982. Tom established E.T. Porter Construction Company
in the early 1980s and much of that work involved building and renovating homes, the structures
he took great care to protect, revive and embellish as if original. Playing golf was a life-long
passion and he continually endeavored to reshape his skills. He played casual golf but also
thrilled in participating in MGA and USGA competitions. Those who knew him understood his
energy and enthusiasm for all that he did and knew he was likely to share his latest revelation
on how to improve his golf swing (and maybe yours)!
Most important of all was the love and care for his family. He leaves behind his wife of 44 years,
Elizabeth A. (Relihan) Porter, and their beautiful children- daughter Abigail Porter Coyle
(Patrick), and their sons, William Thomas Porter and Edward Dary Porter (Alexandra). Also five
grandchildren, Jack Porter Coyle, Patrick Bogardus Coyle, Tula Marian Coyle, Benjamin George
Porter and Natalie Darwyn Porter. He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather who
had a unique gift of sharing joy, love and his special humor.
He also leaves several siblings Gayle Porter Lewis, Pamela Speers Hayes, William J. Speers,
III, Elliot Speers, Brooks Scott Porter, Peter Brooks Porter and Anne Porter Jackman, along with
many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Tom’s life on Saturday, February 1st, 2020 at the
First Congregational Church, 21 Church Street, Winchester, MA at 11 am. In lieu of flowers,
please make donations to the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, Lahey Burlington or a charity of
your choice.