1948 – 2016

RUMFORD — Arthur Robert “Larry” Porter III, 67, a resident of Dolloff Street in Peru, died Friday, Feb. 19, at the Rumford Hospital due to complications from a recent illness.

He was born in Rumford on April 10, 1948, a son of Arthur and Beatrice (Knox) Porter Jr. He attended Dixfield Schools.

Larry spent many years working beside his father selling and delivering Case and Kubota tractors. He later opened his own business, Larry’s Garage, in Peru.

Larry loved to travel with his motor home, camping on the coast, particularly the Boothbay Harbor and Bar Harbor areas. He loved his street rods and weekend cruises with the Western Maine Street Rod Club, in which he was a member. He enjoyed his watermelon weekends with the “Camping Crew.” He was a member of the PHG, Peru For Honest Government, at the Peru selectmen’s meetings. He also served on the Peru Finance Committee. He loved sitting with his kitty, Peek a Boo.

Larry was married in Dixfield on June 7, 1969, to Darlene Patenaude, who survives in Peru. Other survivors include his daughter, Debra Shurtleff and her significant other, Thomas Pastor, of Dixfield; his two granddaughters, Miranda and Shelby Shurtleff, of Dixfield, who were the highlights of their “Bugsy’s” life; a brother, Jeff Porter, of Mexico; a sister, Sandra Nash and her husband, Craig, of Dixfield; his two nieces who held a special place in his heart, Yvette Umbro and Michelle Bolduc; along with Christy Walton, Priscilla Rock, Rudina Dickson, Matthew Walton, Jenn Sanford, Ed Ferland and Christopher Patenaude. Larry was the proud godfather of Brandon Gill. He also had two very close friends, Larry Gill and Mike Patenaude, whom he called brothers. He is also survived by other nieces and nephews, whom he loved.

The family would like to express their gratitude to all of the Rumford Hospital staff for all of their care and compassion throughout his journey. Also thank you to everyone who has helped out the family to make sure things were taken care of in this time of need.

Friends and relatives are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at www.meaderandson.com.