Joseph N. LaPorta, 70 of County Route 7A in Copake, NY passed away suddenly on Monday April 18, 2016.
A longtime local resident he was born on October 19, 1945 in Bronxville, NY a son of Vincenza (Vigliotti) LaPorta of Copake and the late Anthony J. LaPorta Jr.
Joe was a former engineer for the Bell System and was a graduate of Detroit Diesel-Western Electric Class of 1970. A self employed electrician, he was the owner and operator of Copake Electric.
He proudly served his country with the United States Army from 1965-1967 during the Vietnam War.
Joe was a very community orientated person volunteering countless hours with many different organizations. He was a life member of the Copake Fire Department, past Captain and current president of the Community Rescue Squad, former building inspector, longtime town councilman and former deputy supervisor for the Town of Copake. In addition he was a founding member of the Copake VFW Post, a life member of the Cadby - Shutts VFW Post # 7552 in Hillsdale, NY, a volunteer umpire for the Taconic Hills Little League and a served on the board of commissioners for the Taconic Hills Storm youth football team.
He is survived by his wife Charlene Grant -LaPorta, his mother Vincenza LaPorta and two sons, Nicholas LaPorta and Douglas LaPorta. He leaves his step children, Amanda Burns of Copake, Linda (Frank) Martin of Hudson, Scott (Gina) Terwilliger of Canaan, CT, Kristen (Thomas) Tripp of Havelock, NC, Charles Grant of Canaan, CT and Robert Burns of Copake along with 10 grandchildren. In addition he leaves his siblings, Diane (Donald) Shadic of Florida, Anthony (Janice) LaPorta III of Florida and Robert (Jeane) LaPorta of Claverack, NY along with several nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited and may call on Friday April 22, 2016 from 4-7 PM at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 8063 State Route 22 in Copake, NY.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday April 23, 2106 at 11 AM at the funeral home.
Interment with military honors will follow at the West Copake Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers kindly consider the Taconic Hills Little League, c/o William Mulrein, PO Box 743, Copake NY 12516.