Gerald L. Porter

Gerald Lee Porter, 64, of Brooklyn, Mich., passed away Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 at the Hospice Home of Lenawee in Adrian, Mich.

Jerry was born May 21, 1960 in Dearborn, Mich. to Patsy (Wild) Porter. He was raised in Manchester, Mich., alongside his younger brother, Bobby Porter, of Brooklyn.

In 1987, Jerry married Vickie (Maschino) Porter, and together, they shared Jerry’s pride and joy: His two deeply cherished daughters, Emily and Megan. Even after their divorce, Jerry and Vickie remained very good friends until his last day.

Jerry dominated the big-city world as a businessman just as impressively as he did as a country-rooted tradesman. He travelled all over the world during his longtime employment at Johnson Controls/Uniloy Milicron. Jerry briefly launched his own plastics machinery repair company before moving to Chicago in 2003, where he brilliantly managed and strategically reformatted the plant at Midwest Can, a large-scale plastic container factory, helping to accomplish worldwide leadership by skillfully leading the corporation to the top of its industry. 

Jerry returned home to Michigan after many years and lovingly became a doting grandfather on Valentine’s Day, 2015. In October of 2015, Jerry chose a courageous journey: He successfully recovered after 35 years of alcoholism and proudly remained sober during the last nine years of his life. 

Jerry was gifted with a loving companionship in 2016 with his devoted life partner, Cindy Buch, of Kalamazoo, Mich. Together, they built and contently shared a quiet and dreamy life on Vineyard Lake, where he humbly worked as an independent contractor, sharing his many talents by building and remodeling businesses and residential homes within the local communities.

An authentic country gentleman, Jerry was well-liked by all, as he always displayed true integrity and empathy. He had quick-witted humor and was consistently entertained by his own array of Dad-jokes. When he wasn’t building, fixing, or perched atop of heavy machinery equipment, Jerry enjoyed golfing, fishing, and NASCAR racing. His favorite thing of all, however, was entertaining his children and grandbabies with boat rides, masterfully grilled dinners, chef-quality breakfasts, marshmallow-melting campfires, and snuggles and sweets during a family movie. 

During the final decade of Jerry’s life, he found genuine peace and happiness, reaping the rewards of his accomplished sobriety and submersing himself inside his humble, joyful life, which was abundant in love and laughter with those he cherished the most.

Jerry leaves behind his mother, Patsy; brother, Bobby; two daughters, Emily Porter of Tecumseh, Mich., and Megan (Mark) Stevenson of Clinton, Mich. He also leaves two bonus-sons, Eric (Carrie) Henricks of Sault Ste. Marie, Canada, and Isaac (Michelle) Henricks of Tecumseh, and a bonus-daughter, Chrissy (Zach) Gallan, of Chicago, Ill. 

Missing him dearly are his seven adored grandchildren: Lily, Phoenix, and Raven (Emily), Gabriella and Amelia (Megan), Annabel (Eric), and Olivia (Chrissy).

Jerry is preceded in death by his grandmother, Lois Wild. 

Viewing will be Wednesday, November 27, from 3-6 p.m. at Handler Funeral Home in Tecumseh. His ‘Celebration of Life’ service will immediately follow at 6 p.m.  

Money contributions can be made to Hospice Home of Lenawee, where Jerry’s last week was spent, under the delicate care and compassion of the incredible Hospice staff and their remarkable facility.