John Manion Porter

John “Rusty” Porter was born in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1932 to Franklin and Ester Porter. He had a sister Joyce and a brother Bill. He attended Wakefield High School in Wakefield, Massachusetts where he played football and also ran track.

Rusty received a full scholarship for football at the University of Massachusetts where he studied landscape architecture, joined the Theta Chi Fraternity and lettered in football. He graduated in 1955 and joined the Chicago Cardinals (now in Phoenix) NFL football team.

After his NFL football contract ended, Rusty went into the U.S. Air Force, completed flight training and flew B-52s during the Vietnam war.

After completing his Air Force duty, Rusty spent several years in the CIA and obtained his Masters Degree in Engineering Administration from George Washington University. He then joined the Office of the Secretary of Defense in the Defense Research & Engineering organization where he focused on advancing Electronic Warfare capabilities for the U.S. and key allies.

He completed his US Government duties as the Director of Electronic Warfare in 1984. During his time in the military and government he received multiple medals and meritorious service awards from DoD, the USAF, the British Royal Air Force, the Washington Academy of Sciences and the University of Massachusetts.

Immediately after retiring from the Pentagon, Rusty participated on the Defense Science Board, the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board and senior leadership positions in the Association of Old Crows/Electronic Defense Association.

Rusty married Virginia Bradley, Phd. and together they focused on active involvement in Habitat for Humanity, the International Cooperating Ministries (building churches around the world) and several other charitable organizations in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

In this capacity he also earned several service awards including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Keepers’ Award due to his hands-on achievements in producing quality affordable housing.

Not only did Rusty play sports but he loved to coach as well. He coached youth basketball (including starting a league in Northern Virginia) and football- and always made sure that his kids got their homework done!

Rusty and Virginia had six children, ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren that they truly loved to spend time with. They gave him a very happy Father’s Day and were there for him as his body started shutting down -so-he left for Heaven on a high note!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday July 8, 2026 at 2 pm at John M. Taylor Funeral Home. A reception will follow.