Obituary of Eugene J. Porfido, Esq.

Eugene James Porfido, 87, of Morristown, New Jersey, passed away September 5, 2023 surrounded by loved ones.

Gene was born in 1936 in Dover, NJ to Alfonso and Josephine Porfido, the last of seven children: Lucy Black, Molly Mezzino, Sam Porfido, Al Porfido, Frank Porfido, and Josephine (Jo) Porfido, all of whom predeceased him.

Gene was a graduate of Bayley Ellard High School (president of the Class of 1955 and inducted into the Bayley Ellard Hall of Fame), Providence College, and Seton Hall Law School.  A political science and theology major, he loved to debate politics and expound on religious principles.  He was a deeply faithful man who loved the church.

On June 24, 1961 he married Bayley classmate Virginia (Ginny) Galdieri and spent the next 62 years happily married in Morristown while raising four children.  He especially enjoyed watching as their children created their own lives and families.  He was overjoyed with their successes, supportive when they stumbled, and quick to protect and defend when necessary.

He was passionate about the law and his clients for 55 years, first in Morristown, NJ and then in Succasunna, NJ with his partner William Fullerton.  He was a member of the Morris County Bar Association, the New Jersey Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.  He took pride in serving as attorney for the Wharton, NJ Board of Education and the Denville Police Department for several years.  He especially loved mentoring upcoming generations of lawyers.

An avid golfer, Gene was a member of the Rockaway River Country Club for 50 years.  He loved the camaraderie there, which was evident every Thursday with golf by day and cards by night.  He loved traveling with Ginny throughout the US, Caribbean, and Europe, especially Italy.  Music filled his life and as an ardent lover of classical music and opera, he and Ginny enjoyed many seasons of the Metropolitan Opera as well as numerous Broadway shows with friends.  His love of the fine arts was wide-ranging, and he was never afraid of a dance floor.  In later life he focused on his hobby of woodworking and specialized in creating intricate animal puzzles to the delight of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He refined his wine-making technique with his son-in-law Chad and friend Tony, and the Homemade Red was renowned and bottomless.

He was a consummate host, and his and Ginny’s home was filled with friends and family for holidays and celebrations.  The famous Trim-A-Tree party was a highlight of the year, with food, drink, and revelry in abundance – all were welcome.

Of all his achievements, Gene was most proud of his family and friends.  He is survived by his wife, Ginny, and his beloved children Diane and Chad Ewing, Eugene Porfido, Jr., Gregory Porfido and Tania Wilcke, and Karen Porfido and Clayton Bridges.  He cherished his grandchildren Tim Schrak (Michele), Christian Porfido (Lela), Hunter Schrak (Kristine), Ruby Porfido, Remy Porfido, and Tasia Porfido and his great-grandsons, Miles Schrak, Maxwell Schrak, and Fox Schrak.  He is also survived by his bonus grandchildren Clayton A. Bridges and Corinne Corte, and a long list of nieces, nephews, and many close friends.

The family would like to express their gratitude to those who have been by Gene’s side: Denise and Mike DeFelice, Dominic Mezzino, Andrea Porfido, Msgr. John Hart, Father Paul Manning, and his aides, especially Camille Fraser.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, September 15 from 4-8 p.m. at the Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Ave., Morris Plains, NJ.  A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, September 16 at 1:00 p.m. at Assumption Church, 91 Maple Ave., Morristown, NJ.  Live streaming of the service will be available on the website of Assumption Church, Morristown, NJ: assumptionparish.org

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gene’s memory can be made to one of his favorite charities: Assumption Church, Morristown, NJ; St. Paul Inside the Walls, Madison, NJ; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.