Obituary:
Joseph E.
LaPorteMay 1, 1922 ~ February 5, 2015 (age 92)
Source:
https://www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com/obituary/Joseph-LaPorte
Joseph E
LaPorte was born in San Francisco May 1, 1921 to Lawrence Joseph LaPorte and
Mary Viola McNulty. He passed away peacefully on February 5, 2015 with Karen
and the girls helping till the very end.
A
Bellarmine graduate of 1941, Joe served in World War II, was a train engineer
on Northern Pacific Railroad for 40 years, with the last two years on Amtrak
until he retired in 1986.
He
volunteered as Historical Interpretive Guide on the Amtrak Coast Starlight,
Knights of Columbus, St. Charles, BN West CU, and TOA Commodore.
Joe met
Karen Peterson on a Milwaukee Ski Train and they were married on May 26, 1951.
Joe's love
of skiing inspired him to teach others, and he started up Totem, TNT and
Cascade Ski Schools, and taught his girls to snow and water ski at a young age.
Dad and
Mom enjoyed many trips with Discovery Bus Tours and outings with Overland RV
Club.
He grew up
with his brothers Don, Bob, Laurie, Dennis, Pierre, and Tim, and sisters Mary
and MaryAnn.
He is
survived by Karen (Catherine) his wife of 63 years, Carrie Kay, Connie (Tom)
McCormick, Carole (Scott) Shelton, Chris (Rick) Snell, Cindy (Jim) Cochran, and
Cherrie LaPorte.
He is also
survived by 9 grandchildren, Mandy, Nathan, Rania, Kayla, Jessica, Ben, Dana,
Ryan, and Jared, and three great-grandchildren, Iliana Rivera, Annmarie, and
John Thomas McCormick.
Joe's
Celebration of Life is 11:00 on Thursday, February 12th, at St Charles Borromeo
Church, with reception to follow.
Arrangements
by Gaffney Funeral Home, and interment at Calvary Cemetery.
Condolences
at www.gaffneycares.com Many thanks to Dr. Vance's office and Oncology NW at
St. Joseph's.
