Joseph Laporte

Joseph “Phil” LaPorte of Hagaman, NY; passed away unexpectedly December 20, 2019 at Saratoga Hospital to be with his Lord at the age of 83. He passed peacefully with his loving wife of 63 years and children by his side. On that day a golden heart has stopped beating and hardworking hands were put to rest, and heaven has gained another angel.

Born in Keene, New Hampshire on 4/3/36, he was the son of the late Antoine and Marie Fortier LaPorte.

He retired as a machinist from Von Roll USA Inc. in Schenectady, NY and was also a barber for many years.
He worked at Bishop Scully High School from 1975 to 1991 where he enriched many lives.

He was a parishioner and communicant of St. Stephen’s Church in Hagaman.

He was a lifelong member of the Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department.

He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. He dedicated his life to his wife, children and family. He was strong and compassionate with a gentle soul. With a friendly smile and helpful heart, he turned acquaintances to lifelong friends wherever he went.

Phil was a skilled woodworker and expert wood carver. He furnished his house with his woodworking skills and was a master of all trades. He loved playing cards, never stayed idle very long, loved the outdoors, and hunting. He especially enjoyed riding their 4 wheelers with his loving wife at their camp that he built in 1969.
Phil is survived by his wife, Helen Barton LaPorte who he married October 6, 1956, three sons, Mark LaPorte (Kim) of Broadalbin, NY; Michael LaPorte (Laura) of Hagaman, NY; and Jeffory LaPorte (Lisa) of Prescott Valley, AZ; three daughters, Anita LaPorte (Alisa Cape) of Reynolds Station, KY; Deborah Heiser (Scott) of Canajoharie, NY and Lisa Geib (Donald) of Landing, NJ, five sisters, Theresa Turley, Sally Kreuczunas, Jeanette Brown, Lucille Visciotti and Toni Lerew, two brothers, Gerard and Andre LaPorte, twelve grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter, many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Phil was also predeceased by two sisters, Cecile Hill and Eva LaPorte, two brothers, Joseph and Leo LaPorte, and a grandson, Willie LaPorte.

His family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Saratoga Hospital and NYOH in Amsterdam, NY.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday December 28, 2019 at St. Stephen’s Church, 46 Pawling Street, Hagaman, NY with Fr, O. Robert DeMartinis officiating.

The family will receive friends at St. Stephen’s Church from 9:00 to 11:00 prior to the Mass.

Inurnment will take place at a later date at Hagaman Mills Cemetery, Hagaman, NY.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 328 126 South Pawling Street, Hagaman, NY 12086. Or Amyloidosis Foundation, 72 East Concord St. K503, Boston, MA 02118 (www.amyloidosis.org).

To send online condolences to the family, visit www.rileymortuaryinc.com