William ‘Bill’ Paul Porter – Charleroi
William “Bill” Paul Porter, of Charleroi, unexpectedly passed away on Oct. 8, 2022. Bill was born on May 2, 1953, in Monongahela, and lived in the Mon Valley until September 2021, when he semi-retired and moved to Beaver. He was the youngest child of S. Priscilla and Richard Porter. He began working as an electrician apprentice at age 15, and opened his own electrical contracting business, WPCO, in the late 1980s. In the early 2000s, as technology evolved, he seamlessly transitioned his business platform from hard wiring to smart and green wiring systems. His business flourished for over 40 years. An electrician by trade and an engineer by heart, Bill could fix or build anything and was always up for the challenge. From something as “simple” as building a new circuit for a broken dryer to setting up a government Wi-Fi cyber security system, Bill, with his brilliant mind, was there for it. He also liked to play the guitar and had an exceptionally good sense of humor. Bill was the main emotional support person to his daughter, Lisa, and son-in-law, John, on their unique journey with their son, Silas, who is medically fragile. Selflessly spending every Saturday with them for 11 years, fixing everything under the sun, babysitting his granddaughter, Amalita, but mostly just being present for them – which made a world of difference in their lives. His heart was always ready to help a friend, family member, or stranger in need. And not just when it came to building or fixing things. Bill was known to make mortgage and rent payments for friends and extended family members who were behind in their payments. Often asked why he did it, knowing he’d never be repaid, he simply said, “because I can, and good deeds are not meant to be repaid.” Bill had a passion for antique cars and frequented the antique car show circuit with Patricia Mineard, the love of his life, in his Marlboro red 1964 Corvette Stingray. He also loved the great outdoors, particularly the Allegheny Mountains. An avid hunter, and responsible gun owner, he was frequently found shooting clay pigeons on Sunday mornings. To say Bill will be sadly missed is an understatement. The gravity of losing Bill, when he had so much more living to do, love to give, and love to receive, is tragic. Bill is survived by his loving companion and best friend, Patricia Mineard; daughter, Lisa (John) Porter Werner; grandson, Silas Werner; granddaughter, Amalita Werner; former wife, Karen Filippelli Porter; Patricia’s daughter, Amanda (Eric Brestelli) Mortimer and her children, MiKayla and Braydon Mortimer, and son, Matt (Vicky) Mineard and their children, Souriana and Dimitri Mineard; sister, Peggy Robey; brother, Richard Porter, and countless friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Valentia Priscilla Werner. Friends and family are invited to attend a service of remembrance at Mingo Creek Park, adjacent to the Ebenezer Covered Bridge, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, with the Rev. Jude Urso officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to the FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC., 427 W. Main St., Monongahela, PA 15063. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.fryefuneralhome.com.
