Peter R. La Porta

Peter R. La Porta of Henderson, Nevada, was the first baby born at St Rose de Lima Hospital on June 29, 1947. He was always very proud of that fact. He passed away unexpectedly Saturday July 5, 2014. He was 67 years of age. Peter was preceded in death by his mother Elayne B. La Porta and survived by his father Louis F. La Porta, his sister and brother Valerie La Porta and Luke La Porta. He is also survived by his Uncle Robert La Porta, Aunt Rose Marie La Porta, Mike and Anne Rupena, Sean and Jeanette Fravely, Aunt Carolyn La Porta Williams and Carol Jean Williams all of California. Peter attended St Peter's Catholic School grade 1 through 8. He served mass as an altar boy and was grateful to learn Latin prayer and responses. He is a graduate of Basic High School in Henderson. His University preference was Arizona State University in Phoenix, Arizona and graduated B.S. Business Administration. Peter was employed by Fireman's Fund Insurance in California and later joined his father's firm La Porta Insurance Agency. He was an outstanding insurance agent. He left the agency after 12 years and elected to begin a legal career. Peter attended California Western School of Law in San Diego, Calif. Accelerated his studies and graduation in only 18 months. He returned home to Nevada and clerked for the Honorable Joseph Pavlikowski of the Eight Judicial District Court. It was during that time he found his passion for criminal defense work. He was hired by Morgan Harris at the Clark County Public Defender’s office where he was a Deputy Public Defender under Justice Mike Cherry. He was hired by Phil Kohen and worked in the special Public Defenders where cases specialized in death penalty defense. He also enjoyed sitting as a pro tem Judge in Henderson Municipal Justice Court. He joined and served in the Air Force Reserves in 1967. Peter had a very fun loving, warm, mischievous personality. He absolutely loved life. He was an active member helping people with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul with food and assistance for the needy. Members of the Society are honored to serve as pallbearers at Peter's funeral.