Robert Dwight Porter, 93, of Simsbury, beloved husband of Phyllis (Mortimer) Porter, died Thursday, March 24, 2022, at his home. He was born September 25, 1928, in Highland Park, MI, son of the late Dwight Matthew and Elizabeth (Lobaugh) Porter. He had lived in Western Pennsylvania prior to moving to Simsbury 63 years ago. He was a graduate of Penn State University, Class of ’52, and received his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in ‘57. Bob’s life pursuit was the world of aviation. He worked at Hamilton Standard for 37 years where he retired as the Director of Engineering Programs. In the early 1960s he worked alongside of the legendary aircraft designer Kelly Johnson at the Skunk Works and Area 51 on a top-secret project to develop the A12 and SR71.

Bob was instrumental in the development of the first digital fuel control system used in commercial aviation. He received United Technologies’ George Mead award for the development of the air inlet control for the F-15 fighter which is still in use today. Bob was a long-time member of the Society for Automotive Engineers and held 8 patents covering helicopter hydro mechanical controls to air inlet controls. Upon his retirement Bob and Phyllis moved to Germany where he worked as a consultant to the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft consortium, a collaboration of the U.K. Germany and Italy to develop Europe’s next generation fighter. Bob, a private pilot, enjoyed flying Cessna aircraft as a member of the 43rd Aviation Flying Club and was a proud member of United Flying Octogenarians (UFO). A highlight for him was flying with Phyllis as “co-pilot” to California. As a mentor to the Farmington High School Robotics Team, Bob shared his passion for design with a future generation of engineers. In recognition of his contributions to aviation, Bob’s name is inscribed on the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Wall of Honor.

In addition to his beloved wife of 66 years, he is survived by his three children, Andrea Porter of West Simsbury, Charles Porter and wife Jeanette of Reading, MA and Bradley Porter and wife Jennifer of Amesbury, MA; his three sisters, Maxine Austen, Beverly Ogdon, and Donna Soergel; his grandchildren, Brittany Geis, Ayantu and Samantha Porter; and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Kobby for his unwavering compassion and devotion in caring for Dad.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The New England Air Museum, 38 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks, CT 06096. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements.