Donald Henry DeLaPorte, 92, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2019 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Croghan, NY on April 24, 1927 to the late Harold and Marion DeLaPorte. Don enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17 and served during WWII in the Pacific theater, and the occupation of Japan. He graduated from Canton Technical College, Canton, NY and worked for IBM for 40 years as a customer engineer and manager, servicing card punch machines and the large scale 705 IBM computer, also as a sales engineer and a site planner for a large IBM systems computers.
He was an Eagle Scout, an Amateur Radio Operator N3AMC, a member of the American Legion and the 40&8 society of Clayton and VFW of Selma. He enjoyed his time with friends at the amen corner at McDonalds in Smithfield.
Surviving are his daughter, Denise DeLaPorte of Smithfiled; son, Stephen DeLaPorte and his wife Deborah of Smithfield; brother, Richard DeLaPorte and his wife Sabina of Massena, NY; a special friend, Margie White of Garner; step granddaughters, Darlene Skinner and her husband Berry, Missy Hodges and her husband Patrick; step great-grandson, Brooks Skinner. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Shirley DeLaPorte.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September, 18, 2019 at 2:00pm at Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the service from 1 until 2:00pm at the church. The committal service will follow the service at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Clayton with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leonard Moore American Legion Post #71,1300 Old U.S. Hwy 70, Clayton, NC 27520; SECU hospice House, 426 Hospital Rd. Smithfield, NC 27577 or to Centenary United Methodist Church 140 E Market St, Smithfield, NC 27577.
Online condolences may be made to the DeLaPorte family at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com. Arrangements are with McLaurin Funeral Home, Clayton.
