Christopher W. Porter

The world is laughing a bit less with the unexpected passing of Christopher W. Porter on October 7, 2026. Born to the late William & Patricia (VanMegroot) Porter on August 17, 1958, in Los Alamos, NM. Chris later relocated with his parents to Guilford CT, a town he loved. He graduated high school at The Hammonasset School in Madison; a progressive private school where Chris thrived.

Always an adventurer, Chris then moved to Alaska and became a commercial fisherman on the Bering Sea off Kodiak Island. It was an experience he loved and was always more than happy to share his stories of “The Most Dangerous Job in America”. Chris always said he went from the woods to the jungle when he moved back to the East coast and co-founded a messenger company in Manhattan NY. His business sense, along with his vibrant personality and his ability to get along with anyone made this endeavor a success. Ultimately, he had enough of city life after thoroughly enjoying Broadway shows, the parks, or just walking the streets of the city.

It was during this transition period that Chris met his wife, Jeanette. It was a magical night, with love at first sight, as after their first encounter they both knew they were going to get married. A month later, they seized to opportunity to backpack around the world together enjoying the UK, Europe, Asia, Jamaica and the United States. The most memorable part of the trip though was Chris proposing to Jeanette in Venice. As he would say, “How could she say no!”. Their love of traveling the world continued throughout their marriage.

Settling back to CT Chris, a consummate entrepreneur, spent several years flipping houses. He enjoyed the challenge of bringing something that was broken down back to a beautiful home. His love of real estate stayed with him for the rest of his life. However, his true passion was finance and people, which led him into the wealth management world. Starting with life insurance and then expanding into financial planning. He and his wife owned and operated Porter Financial Strategies and Yale Tax Solutions in Wallingford and Waterford CT for 35 years. He treated his clients as friends and was always interested not only in their financial well-being, but in their lives as well. Rarely did anyone leave an appointment with Chris without sharing several great laughs. Chris and Jeanette sold their businesses in 2024, and while it was difficult to say goodbye to their amazing clients, they also looked forward to their retirement.

Chris was a long-time member of the Wallingford Rotary and Chamber of Commerce. As someone who would buy extra food at a restaurant to give to the homeless or go the extra mile to help someone out, he valued their philosophy of giving back.

He had a deep passion for politics and could discuss issues with anyone regardless of their political beliefs. Chris enjoyed a good debate and was able to do so with facts and without anger, a rare gift.

His happy place was the family cabin in Maine. While there, he loved to go out on his boat, take an ATV to explore any trail, kayak, visit neighbors and enjoy an outdoor fire at night.

Chris leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Jeanette and 2 children, Preston (Jenn) Porter and Kelly Porter along with his granddaughter Vivienne, all of whom he loved dearly. Chris loved being a dad and was always there for his family, along with many other relatives and friends, no matter what the circumstance

Viewing and a service will be held at Swan Funeral Home, located at 80 E. Main St, Clinton, CT, on October 24, 2026, from 12pm until 2:30pm, from 2:30p to 3pm those in attendance are welcome to share words of remembrance in Christopher’s memory, with a private burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Wounded Warriors and Disabled American Veterans.

Just as Chris could bring laughter to any situation with his great wit, give an extra smile or tell your best joke to brighten a room. As a testament to this, when asked, “How are you?” he would reply, “If I was any better, I would be you.”, and he asked to add after his passing, “and this time I mean it!”.