Frank B. Porter
Early Life
Frank Bixby Porter was born on December 10, 1892, in New York City, New York. By the time of his World War I draft registration in 1917, he was residing in Rye, New York, along Highland Road, where he was employed as a chauffeur. He reported that his mother and a younger brother were dependent upon him, reflecting family responsibilities that were common among young working men of the period.
Although his later life was centered in Bergenfield, New Jersey, his documented residence in Rye during the war years, along with his inclusion on the World War I memorial plaques at the Rye, New York Memorial Flagpole, confirms his recognized connection to the community.
World War I Service
Porter entered naval service on November 13, 1917, at the New York Navy Yard, joining the United States Navy. He was initially assigned to Section Base 6 in Brooklyn, a coastal defense and patrol installation responsible for safeguarding harbor approaches and supporting naval operations in the New York area.
He subsequently trained at the Naval Training Station at Pelham Bay Park, one of the primary training facilities for naval personnel during World War I. His service also included time at the Federal Rendezvous in Brooklyn, a processing and assignment center for enlisted sailors.
During his naval career, Porter advanced from Machinist’s Mate Second Class to Machinist’s Mate First Class, a technical rating responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of shipboard machinery and engines. This role was critical to maintaining the operational readiness of naval vessels.
He later served at the Naval Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina, where he remained through the end of the war. His service was primarily stateside, and there is no record of overseas deployment or combat engagement.
Porter served throughout the duration of the war and was discharged to inactive duty on August 7, 1919, with the rank of Machinist’s Mate First Class.
Life After Service
Following his military service, Porter settled in Bergenfield, New Jersey, where he lived for nearly six decades. He established a career as a used car dealer, becoming part of the local business community.
He was an active member of the American Legion Post 78 in Englewood, New Jersey, maintaining his connection to fellow veterans and community service throughout his life.
Frank B. Porter died on April 13, 1958, at his home at 333 South Prospect Avenue in Bergenfield, New Jersey, at the age of 65.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Florence Porter; his daughter, Jean Louise Luciano of Woodcliff Lake; one grandchild; his brothers, Alfred Kirkpatrick, Arthur Kirkpatrick, and William Porter; and his sisters, Mary Dixon, Beatrice Towne, and Charlotte Perley.