Obituary of Gerald. H. Porteus

Gerald H. Porteus, of Bedford, NY passed to heaven on January 24, 2012 at the age of 91 years old. Gerald is survived by his wife of 65 years Anne, daughters Anne Marie Shuhy (husband Robert) and Lisa, and sons Gerald Jr ( wife Terry), Thomas, Greg (wife Briget), Christopher ( wife Mary), James, and Geoffrey ( wife Kristen). He was the grandfather of 24 grandchildren, and 2 great granddaughters. Gerald was born in the Clason Point section of the Bronx. He graduated from Power Memorial High School in Manhattan with honors. He served in the US Navy on a Sub-Chaser during World War II. After the war, Gerald became a member of the NYPD, serving most of his 28 years in the elite Emergency Service and Harbor Units. During Gerald's service in the NYPD, he was involved in hundreds of on-water rescues (including several airline crashes) in the waters of NYC. He was also assigned to the security detail for President John F. Kennedy's visit, and the 1st visit of the Beatles to NYC. He was also featured in the centerfold of Life Magazine in 1965 for the arrest of a bank robber who attempted to flee by boat. Gerald was a man of great faith and a life-long Catholic. His parish for 46 years was St. Patrick's Church in Bedford. He was a man of great intellect, an avid reader, and a great conversationalist. He had a sharp, dry wit and sense of humor. He lived through some of history's most harrowing times, including the Great Depression. He was opinionated, always up to date on current events, and eager to discuss with anyone willing to talk. He was always ready with good advice and a helping hand for any of his family. He will be greatly missed. Friends may call on Thursday from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9PM at Oelker-Cox & Sinatra Funeral Home, 262 E. Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY. The funeral will be Friday at 11:00 at St. Patrick's Church ( Bedford), State Road, Bedford. Interment will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Mt. Kisco.