Mary and Liz:

Porter and I reconnected after literally many decades a few years ago and rekindled the laughing, meaningful, non chit-chat and heartfelt conversations which drew me to him all those summers ago at the Lake. I always told him I was going to come to the lake again to visit, but that I really wanted to spend a few days in the Quad Cities to get the best personal tour of his beloved hometown and its history.  Remembering his inspiration and recollections of the Kennedy clan, I sent him a letter Teddy Kennedy's dear friend and my former Senator Chris Dodd wrote, I believe, shortly after Teddy's passing. Perhaps your son Jack will end up with Porter's Kennedy assemblage! I knew Porter was special way back then, and I was lucky to have again shared thoughts with him back and forth these past few years. May our wonderful memories of him comfort us all. My thoughts are with you.

Mary and Family,

Porter was one of a kind, a true gentleman and friend to all.  

May the wonderful memories help heal you during this time.  

Paul 

We were all so sad to hear this news.  Sending prayers of peace to you and your entire family.  

With deepest sympathy,

Ruth, George , Rachel and Maggie Clemens

Porter was one of my first friends and mentors in this industry. He taught me so much, but most important was that you can be a good and caring person to everyone regardless of your political beliefs, even as you fight tooth and nail on behalf of what you believe in.    

He was kind, respectful to all, a great husband and father,  and left an example I will continue to follow.   He will be remembered and missed.  

Love and prayers to the entire McNeil family.  

Mike Hembrough

To the McNeil family,

Sending my deepest condolences during this time. I worked with Porter through my work with the Democratic Party of IL. Porter had recently participated in a virtual event focused on providing potential candidates with inspiration, advice, and guidance on running for local office. He was a kind and inspiring mentor to myself and many others. I will miss him greatly.

Dear Mary, 

I am sending you and your children prayers and my love and a big embracing hug. I have many fond memories of days gone by at White Lake. Porter was probably the first person Bill introduced me to at White Lake. I knew right away they had a deep and very special relationship. I also know that Porter found the love of his life when he met you! My daughter Annie called me last night and was very sad to share the news with me. I just want you to know that you both touched my life and Porter was so so special to Bill. 

Holly Curtis 

To Mary, James, Jack, and Ellie---

Our hearts go out to you and your family.  I have not met a more positive person as Porter and he LOVED SWIMMING!!  His compassion and passion for others was unsurpassed.  Never an event  went by where he didn't ask about Kyle and Bryce.  

Porter was such an asset to Mark in fundraising for the Blue Marlins.  Without Porter's guidance and assistance, the Marlins would not have raised the funding needed for continuation of the club's success.

Porter -- great husband, father, and proud, proud grandpa.  Sending healing prayers to all of you.  We will miss our friend.

Debbie and Mark Bohman

Mary,

We are all heartbroken to hear of Porter’s passing. Both you and Porter have been so supportive of John and Delaney these past few years. I can’t tell you how much that support and love has meant to us. There will always be a place in our hearts for Porter (as well as you, Mary). 

I don’t think we can make it out to Porter’s funeral but we will be thinking about you all. If there is anything we can do for you from please let us know. 💔

Sending lots of love, 

Debbie, John, Delaney and Keeley