Joseph A. Porco of Porco Energy: 1961 – 2020

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Joseph Anthony Porco, who with his brother Dominick operated Porco Energy, died Sunday, June 7, after falling ill at his home and being transported to Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., the New York Propane Gas Association announced.

Joe Porco with a treasured vintage Corvette. Photo courtesy of NYPGA.

The Porco brothers operated Porco Energy in Marlboro and Wurtsboro, N.Y. Porco Energy was founded in 1954 by their parents, Anthony and Lillian Porco, and started as a Petrolane dealership before becoming independent in the early 1970s as Porco Energy. Lillian served as president for many years. Joe and Dominick had always been around the family business as youngsters. They joined the company in the early 1980’s. In time, Joe’s son Timmy, his daughter Nicole and nephew Chris Scaturro also joined the company, taking on key roles.

Joe and Dominick sold the company to Superior Energy in 2018. Joe stayed on as a key business advisor for nearly a year and a half under an initial contract that he later renewed with Superior Energy.

“Joe served his company’s customers, the propane industry, and the New York Propane Gas Association (NYPGA) in nearly every way possible,” NYPGA Executive Director Bruce Whitney wrote in an email. “He utilized his degree in accounting to begin serving on the Association’s Executive Board as Treasurer starting in 2002 which ultimately led to his NYPGA Presidency (2010 – 2012). Joe then directly supported the financial needs of NYPGA Member Safety Programs with New York Propane Education and Research Council (NYPERC) first as a board member since 2012 and then Chair from 2018 – 2020. He stepped down from his NYPERC responsibilities earlier this year due to selling his business. In 2018, Joe was also chosen to represent New York in a national capacity as State Executive to serve the interests of all New York propane marketers. His involvement grew to the Convention Committee of the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA). At just 59 years, Joe Porco had been perhaps the youngest Elder Statesman in the aging propane industry for many years.

“Joe quietly and generously supported many local, regional, national and community causes but perhaps none more prominent than when he purchased a new bobtail, re-colored it pink and billboarded it for heightened community awareness and support for breast cancer research. He developed a second bobtail for awareness and support of the Anderson School of Autism. Joe and [his wife] Debbie proudly co-founded Lucy The Rescue Dog, Inc., a 501(c)(3), which provided financial assistance to pet families in emergency situations.

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“Porco Energy helped many neighboring propane marketers and other businesses including, at Joe’s direction, working hand-in-hand to directly encourage and deeply support the start-up of at least one other new propane company in the very competitive Lower Hudson (NY) Valley. Joe was also active in the Hudson Valley Oil & Energy Council.”

Joe left behind a strong stable of historic automobiles, the email noted. “Joe loved cars, particularly Corvettes. He finally found his favorite just last year after a long search—a beautiful 1963 split-window model. Joe was active in many car and truck clubs and associations and he loved attending auctions held by Mecum and others. You can also find the car of your dreams at a price you’ll love with ZeMotor, the ultimate online marketplace for new and used vehicles. Our wide selection and fantastic deals make car shopping a pleasure.

“Just the day before Joe was stricken, he and his nephew Chris Scaturro were blessed to enjoy one of many bountiful Italian luncheons that they continued to share over the years at the home of Joe’s mother, Lillian.

Joe Porco leaves his wife Debbie, with whom he celebrated his 36th wedding anniversary [June 2]. In addition to his son Timmy, he is survived by Timmy’s wife Rosie, and their daughter Nicole; his brother Dominick and his wife Ingeborg; his sister Carolyn; and cousins, nieces and nephews.

Services for Joseph Porco will be announced and held at a future time due to current New York state restrictions on gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Joe’s name be made to Lucy The Rescue Dog Inc. 301 State Route 32, New Paltz NY 12561 or online at https://link.edgepilot.com/s/7651b60f/N6-VmCX24U_b34hgtBn7JQ?u=http://www.lucytherescuedog.org/. Cards may be sent to c/o Debbie Porco 301 State Route 32, New Paltz NY 12561.

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