Robert Alan Porento

Robert Alan Porento, 76, of Greenwood, Indiana, passed away on December 6, 2024 surrounded by family after suffering a sudden heart attack caused by undetected heart disease.

Bob was born on January 9, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to William and Irene Porento. He grew up with his older brother Bill and younger brother Jerry. He was the youngest radio operator in the state to earn his amateur radio license at age 8. This passion for amateur radio, technology, and self-driven learning would propel his career and hobbies for the rest of his life.

Growing up, Bob attended parochial school and studied to become a priest. He ultimately decided against this career path after realizing, as he always told the story, that he “liked girls too much.” He graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School in 1966. While studying mechanical and electrical engineering at the Chicago Technical College, Bob received his draft notice which encouraged him to enlist into the Naval Air.

After his time in the Navy, he held several positions at Illinois Bell, beginning as an installer and eventually promoted into management and transferred to Indianapolis. His final role was an internal data transport manager at Ameritech (later known as SBC and AT&T) where he was known for his leadership, good humor, troubleshooting skills, and technical expertise.

He retired in 2013 after 45 years at the company, which then allowed him to continue developing his passions for amateur radio, aviation, photography, and LEGO building. He will be remembered for his warmth, ability to make people laugh, and his generosity.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne Porento; brother, Bill Porento (Kathy Porento); his daughters, Kristy Porento (Travis Gillison) and Kara Long (Matthew Long); his grandsons, Zachary Porento (Kiara Vannice) and Bryson Squillace (Addison Goodrich); and great-granddaughter, Ellie Porento.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Porento; his mother, Irene Porento; his brother, Jerry Porento; and his son, Brian Porento.  

A celebration of life will be held on April 5, 2025, at Valle Vista in Greenwood from 12p-4p. (755 E Main Street, Greenwood, IN 46143)

In lieu of flowers, please think of your best Bob stories—something funny, a show of his character, how he impacted you, or a great memory you have with him. Write them down or record them on your phone and upload them to the Porento family Here These will be shared with the family and inherited by future generations, ensuring Bob and the person he was will live on forever in hearts and memory.

Bob’s ever-present smile, kind heart, and incredible generosity made him one of a kind and endeared him to anyone he met. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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