Obituary of Samuel Robert Porter Jr.

Samuel “Sam” Robert Porter, Jr., the son of a coal miner & pastor, he was the 2 nd child of Rev. &
Mrs. Samuel (Bessie) R. Porter, Sr. He was born on October 20, 1932, in Elbert, WV. A graduate of
Gary District High School (1951), and in the same year married his high school sweetheart, Thelma
O. (Smith). Sam and Thelma were blessed with five children: Samuel Jerome, Steven Bernard,
Tamara Kay, Terrence Keith and Robert Bryant.
He served in the United States Marines (Semper Fi), as a Military Policeman. He was honorably
discharged in 1955. He returned to his hometown and began to raise his family and was employed at
the United States Steel Coal Company. Eventually, he relocated the family to Mahwah, NJ (1959)
and was employed with Abex Company (formerly: Brake Shoe) until his retirement in 1983. After
his retirement from Abex, started a second career in Mahwah School District until he retired to care
for his wife.
Sam was an avid sports fan who loved the New England Patriots. He started his football career at
Gary District High School, but his greatest joy was attending his sons and grandsons sporting events.
He and Thelma were so committed to following their kids’ careers that, each weekend in the fall they
would pack a basket and travel to New England to watch one son play in the afternoon and then
travel back to New Jersey to watch another son play that night As he got older, watching Monday
Night Football with his son was one of his highlights of the week. To his grandkids he was known as
“Surround Sound Sam” because you always heard his booming voice having a good time. He lived a
simple life, but found great pleasure in his Cadillac cars, stylist Suits & Kangoo hats.
Sam embraced the Masonic Order and was elevated to the level of Master Mason and Shriner. He
was a member of Mt. Zion Lodge No. 50 (Hackensack)
He was an active member of Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church (Ridgewood). He served faithfully as
a Trustee until illness prevented him from attending services. He was committed to his church
family and maintained daily and weekly contact with members and friends. He would also attend
Mt. Zion AME Zion Church (Mahwah) were he raised his children and Pilgrim Baptist Church (Red
Bank) where his son serves as Pastor. He also enjoyed participating in the activities of the Harriett
Tubman Senior Citizen Club (Spring Valley). He and Thelma where well known for their annual
picnics that brought family and friends together to have a good time.
After the passing of his wife, He met Janett Stroud (Ridgewood), who became his close friend. Over
the last few years, as he battled with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Janette
became his loving companion and caregiver.
Sam transitioned to his Heavenly Home on October 3, 2024. He was predeceased by his; Parents:
Samuel & Bessie; Sister, Naomi; Brothers: Ray, Richard, and Howard; Wife: Thelma Olivia and Son:
Steven.
He leaves to cherish his memories: Sister: Esther M. English (Ohio); Daughter: Tamara (Edward)
Hibbert of Arizona; Sons: Jerome of Connecticut; Terrence (Wilma) of New Jersey; Robert of
Arizona; Daughter-in-law: Sarita of New Jersey and a host of: grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
nieces, nephews and cousins; Companion: Janett Stroud (her family) and Close friends: Richard
Thomas, Richard DeFreese, Mr. Stanley.