William W. Porter

William Wendell Porter, Jr., a resident of Dedham since 1958, died peacefully in his sleep Sunday, September 6th, 2009 at his home in Dedham after many years of a brave fight with cancer.  He was 81.  Bill was born May 19, 1928 in Boston, MA, a son of William W. Sr. and Mary E. (Brown) Porter.  He grew up in Brighton and graduated from Brighton High School with the Class of 1947.  It was in High School that his lifelong love of music began.  Bill played trombone in the Brighton High School band, and in the Larry Queen Orchestra in which he continued after graduation.  He joined the Bob Batchelder Band which frequently played at the Totem Pole Ballroom at Norumbega Park in Newton and he played with them for eight years.  In 1950, as a member of the Parkway Concert Orchestra, he met his future wife Muriel, when she joined the Orchestra, and they wed in 1955.  Both were still involved with the Parkway Orchestra where Bill played lead trombone.  Bill also played with the Olde Kids on the Block, and was an active member of the Westwood Swing Band.  His interests were not just confined to his musical talents.  He was a Past President of the Westwood Rotary Club, a former Chaplain of both West Roxbury Lodge AF & AM and Constellation Lodge  AF & AM, and a longtime member of Allin Congregational Church in Dedham where he served on the Diaconate, sang in the choir, and was the Sunday School Superintendent for 26 years.  Bill was also the Past President and Founder of the Parkway Concert Orchestra Board of Directors, and a member of the Retired Mens Club of Dedham.  Bill retired in 1987 after 34 years as a Marketing Agent for Commercial Union Insurance Company.  After his “retirement” he continued selling insurance with the Patterson Insurance Agency in Westwood.  He is survived by his adoring wife of 54 years, Muriel E. (Brown); his devoted daughters, Joyce E. McFarland, and her husband Gary, of Norfolk, and Virginia L. Barry, and her husband Jim, of Walpole; and his brother Lawrence Porter of Burlington.  In addition, Bill was the proud grandfather of four wonderful grandchildren, Andrew William McFarland, Matthew Robert McFarland, Sean James Barry, and Meredith Lee Barry.  Also survived by his brother-in-law Wayne Brown, and his wife Joanne, of Columbus, Ohio.   Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service Saturday, September 12th at 11 AM at the Allin Congregational Church in Dedham.  Private interment will be in Gethsemane Cemetery in West Roxbury.  In lieu of flowers donations to the Allin Congregational Church, 683 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026 would be appreciated.