Obituary of Michael A. Porto

Michael Anthony Porto of Long Beach, formerly of Bellerose and Queens Village, passed away on August 15, 2020, at the age of 71 after five courageous years of fighting brain cancer. Devoted husband of Joan. Cherished father of Jennifer and Henry Yaeger, Gina and Christopher Spiro, and Katie and George Staphos. Adored Poppy of Megan, Thomas, Kathryn, Dimitri, Sophia, and Serena. Caring son of Florence and the late Enrico, and loving brother to Lawrence and Lorraine Porto and Robert and Jinny Porto. Deeply missed brother-in-law, cousin, uncle, and friend to so many. The first child of a new generation of the Porto and Yanni families who had emigrated together to New York from Calabria, Italy, Michael was raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn amidst his extended family, surrounded by love and Italian culture, especially the food. As children of Brooklyn, Mike and his brothers naturally worshipped the Brooklyn Dodgers and never quite got over their move to L.A.; this was the beginning of Mike’s lifelong love of sports, with all its glory and pain. Everything changed for Mike when his family moved to Bellerose, Queens in 1963. On July 7, 1963, he saw Joan McCarthy for the first time – and he would commemorate the date for the rest of his life. He and Joan married in 1971 and together they raised three daughters, all of whom learned early from him to love New York, baseball, a good cannoli, and, above all else, family. Mike adored his wife and three girls, and let everyone know it. As his daughters married, he was thrilled to welcome three sons-in-law, whom he loved like they were his own. Mike’s greatest source of pride and immense joy was his six grandchildren, and they each uniquely carry their Poppy’s spirit forward. Poppy was silly and joy-filled, bragging about their every accomplishment and doling out seemingly endless hugs and kisses. With his trademark whistle from the bleachers of sporting and school events, his kids and grandkids (and anyone within earshot) always knew that their super fan was in the stands. Mike’s humor and energy lit up every room he was in, whether he was singing a favorite Rolling Stones or Beatles tune, quoting a classic Mel Brooks movie, cheering on the Mets or the New York Rangers, or dancing the Lindy with Joan. Mike enjoyed traveling, whether family camping trips on Long Island or exploring the Amalfi Coast or the cities of Ireland with Joan. Mike loved and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves and the National Guard. He was a faithful parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes in Queens Village and, later, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Point Lookout. His Catholic faith guided him throughout his life. Mike’s primary consideration in all of his life decisions was what would be best for his family. His courage and kindness inspired his family and friends, and will continue to challenge us all to be our best selves. There aren’t words to express just how much we will miss him. Family will receive loved ones and friends on Wednesday, August 19 from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9:30pm, at the Towers Funeral Home in Oceanside. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church and a burial service will be held at St. Charles/Resurrection Cemeteries in Farmingdale on Thursday, August 20. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Michael’s honor to the Long Beach Soup Kitchen of 140 W. Pine Street in Long Beach, an organization providing much-needed support to the many people struggling during these difficult times (www.longbeachsoupkitchen.org).