John C. Porsch

More than anything else, I will remember his smile. It was sort of a knowing smile one that gave me the impression that he had figured out a puzzle; that he understood a profound truth that I had yet to learn; that he felt fulfilled, blessed, and truly happy. When I was a young child, my grandfather always seemed to emanate a sense of joy, of boundless energy almost like a light. He was always willing to play whatever games I wanted; help me build whatever I wanted; pretend to be whichever character I wanted. He sure looked like an adult, but even then I knew he was a kid at heart. I was too young to remember, but when I look back at the picture of us building a sandcastle together on the beach, both of us covered in sand, I can see his smile and tell that he was truly happy. You can see that light, that joy coming right off the page. I'm sure that everyone sitting in this Church today has been touched at one point or another by John's almost contagious smile and big heart. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, "When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men." The example that my Poppy set for me has had an immense impact on the course of my life and I wanted to share just a few of his best qualities: The trait that defined him most was his selflessness. No matter what was going on around him, Poppy was always thinking of others he truly dedicated his life to his family. Probably the best Christmas I can remember was the morning that I found a huge castle that he had built by hand for me under the Christmas tree. Three feet tall and filled with all kinds of amazing bells and whistles, it was even wired with working lights. He never would tell me how long it took to build, but I'm sure he spent countless hours in the basement working on it. I was pretty young when he gave me that present, but I knew right then how much he loved me and how much I loved him back. When I read his obituary, I was amazed at how many organizations and groups my grandfather was a part of. You would think I should have known this, being his grandson, but Poppy was never boastful and always humble. What struck me most while reading his long list of accomplishments was his commitment to service and duty. Once again, always thinking about others, Poppy sacrificed so much for his family, his friends, and his country. I can picture him on that day in July 1945, clinging to a 50-gallon drum and suffering from shrapnel wounds as his ship, the USS Callaghan, was sinking in the Pacific. Of course, I don't know, but I bet his shipmates would say that he never cried out; he was probably too busy trying to help others who were also struggling to stay afloat that's just the kind of man he was. His example of service and duty has been an inspiration to me throughout my life and I hope that I made my Poppy proud. What truly amazes me, though, was Poppy's capacity to love without limit. I see this most when I look at the relationship between he and my mother. As she sat by his side day and night during his last days, there was never a thought in her mind to do anything but what she was doing because she loved him. My mother is the most amazing woman I have ever met; she loves her family with a passion that is unrivaled. And she learned this from her father. Barely sleeping, she focused only on comforting him. She showed us all what true love is really about. I only hope that I can inherit some of this ability. I am reminded of the lyrics from one of my favorite artists, John Mayer: "Fathers, be good to your daughters Daughters will love like you do" John Porsch was good not only to his daughters, but also to his wife, his grandchildren, his nephews and nieces, his friends, and even those he had just met. I hope that all of us can learn from him and love like he did wholly and without reservation. I will end with one last thought before I turn it over to my sister. Over the last few weeks, we have all experienced the full gambit of emotions. What I feel most right now and whenever I think of Poppy, though, is pride. Pride as countless folks told me stories of how he impacted their lives, pride as I watched his fellow veterans and Knights of Columbus honor him, and pride as I remember his legacy and his smile. The light he left behind will always be a part of my life. ...................................................... Since I was a little girl I always looked forward to going to see my poppy. The short car ride over seemed like forever at the time. The house was always cozy and there were always treats. Each time I ran up the steps of Warren St. my grandpa would be waiting inside with a huge smile on his face and his arms were wide open. The first thing he always did was hug me. He gave the best hugs. The kind of hugs that you take a second to really enjoy. My mom always called my grandpa a big teddy bear and he was exactly that. He was one of the kindest people that I have met in my life. If you were happy, he was happy. It was just that simple. I never wanted to leave his house because he made me feel so special. One of my best memories as a child was Christmas Eve. Nana and Poppy cooked their infamous stuffed shells and meatballs and my brother and I got to open our overstuffed stockings. But the best part was when Poppy would sit me down and show me his newest automatic ornament that rotated around the Christmas tree. He would explain every little thing about it and was so excited to show off his new toy. I felt like my poppy was one of my best friends who always had the coolest trinkets and gadgets. Over the past few weeks I had the gift of spending time with my grandpa. It's never easy to watch someone suffer, but my grandpa never complained. Not once. After taking care of him it is truly unbelievable how optimistic and good-humored he remained. Anyone who knew my grandpa knew his love for dogs, so one night I rented the movie, Marley and Me. We sat down; we watched the movie, ate graham crackers and held hands. He never let go of my hand during the entire movie. It was an extremely ordinary night and when I tucked him into bed he told me how proud he was of me and to never forget that. At the moment I realized my poppy always thought of others before himself. That was natural to him and it didn't occur to him to think any other way. He taught me that I need to learn to put others before myself. The last night I spent with my grandpa was by far one of the most memorable. My mom, my grandma, and I were sitting in the bedroom next to his bed. He looked at my grandma and said, "Rose, I could really go for an old-fashioned lollipop and a lime Popsicle." So out I ran to the grocery store and needless to say I couldn't find any old-fashioned lollipops. Thank goodness for lime Popsicles. I had never been so happy to be standing in line at the grocery store buying lime Popsicles. So we sat, we talked, and we all ate Popsicles. He seemed so content, so insightful, and so thankful. He had the three of us laughing very hard. I thought to myself here is my poppy dying and suffering and he is making us all laugh. What an amazing and brave man. Poppy you were more than a girl could ever dream of for a grandfather. You were a selfless husband and loving father. We have you to thank for making us who we are today. Ill always remember your hugs, your smile, the warm memories, and the quiet moments of contentment. I love you, always and forever. ..................................................... John C. "Jack" Porsch of Warren Street, Kingston died Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at his home. He was 82. A native and lifelong Kingston resident, he was born October 31, 1926 a son of the late John F. and Helen Simpson Porsch. A Kingston High School Graduate, John then served in the US Navy. His service included eight major naval engagements in the South Pacific. He was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds received when a ship was sunk at Okinawa on July 29, 1945. He was a Life Member of the Purple Heart Association. For 5 years John worked at Western Electric. His 36 year career at I.B.M. concluded with retirement in 1987. He earned credits through the IBM Volunteer Educational Program and college credits in local colleges. John also served as past president and directory of the IBM Country Club and belonged to the Quarter Century Club. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the IBM Employees Credit Union and IBM Employees Health Association. John was chairman of the IBM United Charitable Contribution Fund for 4 years. He served as a full-time Alderman in Kingston's Fourth Ward for 12 years and Republican committeeman throughout the City for 45 years. John also served as Treasurer of the City of Kingston Republican City Committee. He was a member of the Kingston Zoning Board of Appeals. His service to the Knights of Columbus included Past Grand Knight of Kingston Council #275, Past District Deputy, and Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree Assembly #750, Kingston. John served as Color Corps Commander for many years. A Life Member and past officer of the Rapid Hose Volunteer Firemen, he was past president of treasurer of the Jaycee Little League. John served as district, ward, and street chairman for many fund raisers for worthy organizations. A parishioner of St. Joseph's Church, John was past president and treasurer of St. Joseph's Holy Name Society. He was a member of the V.F.W. Joyce - Schirick Post #1386, the American Legion - Kingston Post #150 and the Catholic War Veterans. John previously served as NY State President of the United Commercial Travelers, a member of the Steuben Society, Kingston Lions Club and Kingston Kiwanis Club. An "Able Toastmaster" of Toastmasters International, he was also trained in audience speech delivery methods. In 1952 he married the former Rose Fuscardo. Also surviving are two daughters, Patricia Ryan and her husband, Kevin and Laurie Ann Porsch; five grandchildren, Patrick Kevin and Courtney Megan Ryan; Sophie Michalea, Max Louis and Grace Helen Friedman. Reposing at the Simpson - Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave. on Thursday from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. The American Legion, Post #150 will meet at 6:30 p.m. to conduct a ritual. The V.F.W. Joyce-Schirick Post #1386 will meet at 7:00 p.m. to conduct a ritual. The Knights of Columbus Council #275 and Fourth Degree Assembly #750 will meet at 7:30 p.m. to conduct a service. The funeral procession will form on Friday at 11:15 a.m. from the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church at 12:00 noon Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Kingston Hospital Dialysis Center, 37 Albany Ave., Kingston, NY 12401 or Hospice Foundation, Inc., 34 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401.