Francis "Frank" William Port, Jr.

Shelburne- Francis “Frank” William Port Jr., 84, passed away peacefully, Friday, December 30, 2022, at Franklin County Rehab in St. Albans, with his family by his side.

Frank was born on November 28, 1938, in Somerville, MA. He was the son of Francis W. Port Sr. and Edna (Murphy).

Frank graduated Notre Dame Highschool in 1958 and then joined the Airforce in 1960. Travel and learning were a passion that spurred him to join the Peace Corps in 1971 where he spent six months in Haryana, India. Frank never ceased learning. Throughout the late 1960's and mid 1970's, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stonehill College, a Master's degree in Social Work and two Doctorate degrees in Divinity and Psychology. 

On November 4, 1972, Frank married Elaine Licata at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wakefield, Massachusetts. They were married for fifty years.

In 1974, Frank joined the Army National Guard, in which he served until his retirement as Major in 1998. Frank and his family made the move to Vermont in 1989.

During Frank’s military career he served his community in many other ways. He was a mail handler for the United States Postal Service for 23 years. After retiring from his full-time careers, he drove school bus for 15 years, where he was known to the children of Milton as “Frankie”. He also worked with the Winchester, Massachusetts Boy Scout Troop 503 and several years at the Camp Johnson Museum as a volunteer. He loved working with kids whether it was teaching guitar or substitute teaching in the local schools. As a retired member of the US military, he cherished his lifetime membership with the American Legion.

Frank loved sports! He faithfully watched the Little League World Series and Olympics start to finish, loved to ski and coached youth baseball. However, his true passion was for hockey. He played hockey in high school, was a Milton Youth Hockey Coach for over 10 years starting in the 90’s, a hockey referee for 10 years and an avid Boston Bruins fan. Frank liked to cook and always enjoyed a delicious meal. He also loved to read, particularly military history and politics, and was never found without a book.

Frank is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elaine (Licata) Port; his son Michael Port and wife Erin, his daughter Pauline Potvin and husband Keith; his grandchildren, Justin Potvin, Jordan Potvin, and Elena Valerio; Frank “Billy” will also be missed dearly by his sisters, Barbara Glover and Bettyann Kernen and his brother Robert Port and wife Diane.

He is predeceased by his parents Francis and Edna (Murphy) Port Sr.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 11 am to 1 pm, with a prayer vigil and military honors immediately following in the Minor Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Milton, VT.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The American Cancer Society.