Richard "Rich" "Butch" J. Porta

"Richard “Butch” Porta, age 82, of Pittsburgh, passed away on July 19, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Rich is survived by his three children: Vicky Snyder, Dawn Igims (Jim), and Bonnie Shontz (Bob), and his brother Bob. He was a treasured grandfather of six grandchildren—Christi, Richie, Elizabeth, RJ, Corrinne, and Carly—as well as five great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Rich was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy and William; his brothers Regis, Paul, Bill and Francis; his sister, Mary; and his beloved wife, Mary. Rich and Mary shared 59 cherished years of marriage—a lifelong bond that stood as a testament to love, family, and companionship. 

Rich was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and Member of the American Legion Post 490. He retired after 22 years as an Instructor for Port Authority and spent countless years, both for work and as a hobby, in carpentry as he was a very skilled craftsman. Rich was remembered by his loved ones as lighthearted and direct, with a gift for always having a glass half full. No matter the challenges he faced, he always showed up for his family with unwavering love and support. In his free time, Rich possessed a green thumb and found joy in his garden daily. He rarely missed a Nascar race and enjoyed listening to the golden oldies. Known to his grandchildren as "Pappy" and “the Best Pappy Ever,” Rich loved cooking spaghetti, or “ghetti,” for family gatherings. Those blessed to have had Rich as a member of their family will share, he never missed a chance to say “love you”—whether on the phone or on his way out the door. 

There will be no services held at this time. He will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew him."

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