Robert (Bob) Porter, 89, of Hampstead, NH, died peacefully at home on November 25, 2023.

You could say Bob was born with milk in his veins. Son of the late Thomas and Mildred Porter, Bob was born in Swansea, MA. He grew up in Somerset where he worked on the family dairy farm with his late brothers, Thomas and John (Jack) Porter.

Bob graduated from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst. After serving in the Army as a teletype operator, he began a 45 year career in the dairy foods industry, starting as a milkman for H.P. Hood and retiring as Senior Vice President of Human Resources for the dairy cooperative AgriMark Inc. Bob was a member of the HP Hood Quarter Century Club. Bob was also member of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus.

Bob met the love of his life, Mary, when they were set up on a blind date in Amherst in 1954. Since that moment, literally, they were together and would marry in 1958. Bob loved Mary with every fiber of his being. They were each other's best friend, confidant and trusted advisor. They raised their five children in the Boston area, Johnsonville NY, and Southwick MA before relocating to Hampstead in 1990.

Bob and Mary loved to travel and would regularly embark on a trip or set sail on a cruise to cross the Atlantic and see the world together. Bob lost Mary in 2014 and their family finds some sense of solace knowing they are reunited once again.

Bob was a man of integrity, compassion and respect for others, even in adversity. He enjoyed drives with rural landscapes and ocean views, in Maine, Vermont, and Cape Cod. Bob was a huge Red Sox fan with a specific affinity for David "Big Papi" Ortiz.

Through his own example, "Papa" taught his family about being there for each other - to celebrate joyful times and to help shoulder the burden of times of sorrow. He loved them dearly, driving day or night with Mary to be there for the birth of each grandchild, or following a family member's airline flightpath online as they traveled across the ocean to know they were safe.

His ability to make you smile was remarkable. And, while subtle at times, Bob's well-timed humor and wit left a positive impression on all that met him.

Bob was a beacon of support, guidance and love for his family. Beloved father to sons Robert of Colchester, CT; Kevin (Amy) of Hoboken, NJ; James of Hampstead; and daughters Kathleen (James McGlynn) of Quincy, MA and Marianne of Somersworth, NH. Cherished Papa to Lindsey, Molly, Joseph, Ian, Annie, Leo and Ella and a recent Great-Grandfather to Adrianna.

For a recent birthday, Bob's family described him in a single word. People said, "loyal, funny, genuine, authentic, spunky, resilient, present, heroic, good friend and open minded," to name a few. When Bob was told this, he was quiet for a moment, and then said, "I'd have to say, 'lucky'".

We were the lucky ones, Papa, we were the lucky ones.

The family thanks the Hampstead Fire Department for their care and support.

Relatives and friends may call on Thursday November 30, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 9 AM at St. Anne's Parish, 26 Emerson Avenue, Hampstead, NH. Burial will take place in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Hampstead Fire Department, or Nevins Farm for Farm Animals
(https://www.mspca.org/animal_care/ways-to-help-nevins-farm) or The New Hampshire Farm Museum (https://nhfarmmuseum.org/support-nhfm).

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website, www.carrierfuneralhome.com.