Derek Robinson Porter

Derek aka Rusty, son of Harriet and Edward.  He was the last of their four children.  Derek was nicknamed “Rusty” by his Mom, as an ode to his complexion.
 
Rusty had an unfailing love for his parents. His dad taught him how to hustle or in other words, the value of entrepreneurship. His dad left him too soon.  Many years later, his mom took her last breath in his arms.
 
Even though his family, moved from the South Bronx to Jamaica, Queens, Rusty spent most of his time in The Bronx. He traversed the subway system so much with his Dad, that he became a walking subway map. If you needed directions to get somewhere, just call Rusty. This arrangement created an unbreakable bond between his aunts and uncles and his cousins. Especially Delores, who was like a mother to him and Steven who was like his brother. These family values instilled the qualities of fatherhood and love he has for his daughter, Justine.
 
Rusty graduated from Harry S. Truman High School, Bronx, NY, followed by courses at Baruch College, NY, NY and The Taylor Business Institute, NY, NY.  He majored in English and Accounting. His background was very diverse. He worked with his Dad at ACR Advertising Co starting out as a shipping clerk and was promoted to Director of Typography.  At National Benefit Life Insurance, he worked as Suspense Accountant and as an Accounts Receivable Representative.  He held Customer Service Representative positions for various other companies.  He even acted as Fire Marshall for two of them.  Derek enjoyed his time rolling up his sleeves for Johns Manville as a PVC pipe trimmer.  His entrepreneurial endeavors included, Income Tax preparing, Notary Public, painting and plastering (taught by his Dad).   He further put his skills to use writing his memoir and writing rap lyrics with his cousin Steven.
 
His upbringing taught him to be self-sufficient. Make it happen bubba (a daddy-ism).  He fixed his own car, and he was known to work on a boiler a time or two. He never went to a barber,  he cut his own hair, did his own Jeri Curl, and when the time came, he was all about that Just For Men.  He was very creative and could fix anything as his wife Rachel states.
 
Rusty had many hobbies.  He loved playing softball (Mets fan all the way!), music of all genres, watching movies-nothing scary, bowling, playing pool, Wii bowling, roller-skating and Bingo-he was a masterful caller.  Rusty was the Karaoke King, his go to song was the Commodores-Still.  He loved the beach.  He loved all kinds of animals, cats, dogs, birds, you name it, he loved it.  He and his wife Rachel had a ritual of feeding all types of birds and squirrels who faithfully showed up every afternoon at their terrace.  Most of all, he loved people.  He made everyone feel like a cherished friend.  He lived to make others happy. 
 
His love for Christ permeated his life. He would strike up a prayer in a minute, especially over the food.  For years he, his wife Rachel, and his sister shared the daily scripture as a way to start every blessed day.
 
He and Rachel met on the beach.  Wouldn’t you know it?  This sentimental couple honored that date by joining in holy matrimony years later on the same date they met.  Instead of champagne they toasted with "The Rachel" a drink he created just for her.  They shared the love of The Lord, strong family bonds, sunsets, beaches, love of nature, traveling, plays, concerts, music, dancing, Zumba, and green drinks. They did everything together.  He loved his in-laws and they loved him. He loved playing Connect Four with his mother-in-law, "Ma" and long conversations over coffee with his father-in-law, "Sir", they shared music interests, both have 3 sisters, and both had their mom die in their arms.  They shared a very close bond.  
 
Derek and Rachel have a strong love for each other. Every time he mentioned her name, he honored her. She exemplified their vows of “in sickness and in health”.   At their wedding, a photo of his parents was displayed along with a note that read, “We would have been here, but heaven is too far.”  Now Derek is with them and his sister Robin.
 
Derek is survived by his wife, Rachel, his puppy, Sasha, his daughter, Justine, his mother-in-law, Vilma, his father-in-law, William Sr., his brother-in-law, William Jr.; his sister, Karen, his brother-in-law, Victor, his nephew, Christian; his sister Phyllis, his niece, Nikea, his great nephew, Edward; brother-in-law, Tony, and beloved aunt and uncle, a host of first, second, third cousins and friends.
Memorial services will be private and immediate family will be in contact with those attending.
 
In lieu of flowers or baskets, please donate to ASPCA (Memorial Gifts | ASPCA) as Derek loved animals and he contributed to the organization for many years.