RUTH AND DOUG PORTO

This week Ruth Porto died. She was a beloved member of our congregation and will be missed by me and so many others.

I was touched that Ruth made the effort to attend my 60th birthday open house celebration just a few weeks ago, where she connected with so many dear friends. She made such a difference at St. Gregory's through her constant encouragement and support of the ministries of the Church.

You could always count on Ruth. She would frequently reach out to me or one of our staff members to express her support for whatever new ministry initiative was happening. Her words always gave me and others life. She was generous in supporting whatever special cause needed financial help, often without being directly asked. I appreciated that she and her beloved husband Doug, who died in 2021, embodied a life of service and devotion to the Church both at St. Gregory's and at their previous home church, Grace Episcopal Church in Middletown, New York.

Not surprisingly, Ruth and Doug were members of our Heritage Society and included St. Gregory's in their estate planning, meaning they will continue to Make a Difference as they enter into the Communion of Saints that surround us with their prayers and love. Well done good and faithful servant. And, Thank you!

In Christ,

Andrew+