Robert J. Porter

Robert J. Porter, M.D., and Mary Clare Porter entered into eternal life, she on August 10, 2020, and he on March 24, 2023. As they were in life always together, so are they now in the kingdom of their loving Heavenly Father. Robert J. and Mary Clare Porter were married for more than 60 years. They are survived by their three sons, Robert P. Porter, M.D., (Therese), Mark E. Porter, Esq. (Tracy), and Col. Brian H. Porter, USAF (Ret) (Lori), as well as seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grand nephews.   Robert J. Porter, one of the five sons of Emmett T. and Mary Porter, grew up in the Cleveland area. A graduate of St. Ignatius High School and John Carroll University, Robert attended the Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine until his graduation from that institution with a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1959. Mary Clare Porter, the second child and only daughter of Patrick and Bridget Healy, both of whom emigrated to the United States from Ireland in the 1920’s through Ellis Island, grew up on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. She attended Mercy High School and later graduated from Saint Bernard School of Nursing. Mary Clare met Robert while both were in training at Cook County Hospital by knocking him over in the lunch line one day. They were married in February, 1960. That same year, Robert volunteered to serve as a general medical officer in the United States Air Force, stationed primarily at Johnson Air Force Base near Tokyo, Japan. At the end of his service commitment and honorable discharge in 1963, Robert and Mary Clare returned to the Cleveland area to be around family. Robert completed his internship and residency in radiology at the Cleveland Clinic. Thereafter, he joined a radiology practice at Saint Vincent Charity Hospital. Robert remained at that institution for nearly forty years, the last four as Chief of the Medical Staff. While at Charity Hospital, Robert also became certified in nuclear medicine and was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Radiologists.

Following their return to Cleveland, Mary Clare Porter devoted herself to raising the couple’s three sons. She also became an active member in a number of charitable organizations, most notably the Cleveland chapter of the Christ Child Society. Mary Clare also became a strong supporter of WomenSafe in Geauga County. In their spare time, Robert and Mary Clare enjoyed playing golf, travelling extensively both domestically and internationally, and the company of each other, family members and friends. In retirement, they lived part of the year on Marco Island, Florida. Throughout their lives, they set an example of devotion for their sons and grandchildren. Theirs is an enduring legacy of love, faith and faithfulness. Friends will be received at ST. JOHN FUNERAL HOME, 16381 CHILLICOTHE RD. (RT 306), CHAGRIN FALLS, 44023 (2.5 MILES NORTH OF RT. 422), FRIDAY, APRIL 14 FROM 4 P.M. – 7 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial at ST. JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC CHURCH, 496 East Washington St., Chagrin Falls, OH on Saturday, April 15 at 11:00 A.M. (Please meet at Church). Interment to follow at Euclid Cemetery, 20239 Concordia St., Euclid, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in their names to WomenSafe of Geauga County, 12041 Ravenna Rd., Chardon, OH 44024.