Vera F. Porfiri

Vera Frances Fascell Porfiri, 84, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away to be with her savior Lord Jesus Christ on August 16, 2016 in Boca Raton, FL from complications from metastatic breast cancer. She had successfully fought the disease10 years previously.

She was preceded in death by her parents Mary and Charles Fascell and older brothers Rudy and Dante. She was born on February 26, 1932 in Miami, FL. She was a lifelong resident of South Florida, spending most of her life in Coral Gables, but retiring to Boca Raton in the last decade.

Vera was known throughout her life for her vivacious personality, her deep abiding Roman Catholic faith and her tireless and selfless love and devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren and many, many friends. She was loved for being sincerely interested in the welfare of all of those around her. She welcomed anyone who came to her for help and advice. On many occasions even complete strangers would open up to her and spill their secrets. She was that kind of special person.

She is survived by her husband, Austin of 57years, and their four children: Lynne Porfiri of Arlington, VA, Raymond Porfiri and his wife Amy of Fairfax, VA, Carine Porfiri of Boca Raton, FL and Dave Porfiri and his wife Linda of Chattanooga, TN. Surviving grandchildren are Austin, Isaac, Jane and Harlan Porfiri and Mason and Colette Bedell.

Vera grew up in the Coconut Grove section of Miami during the Great Depression and World War II. She was a first generation American and a child of Italian immigrants. Her childhood home welcomed many servicemen and women who were training in the area during the war. She learned at early age the values of hard work, discipline and selfsacrifice. She attended Coconut Grove Elementary and Ponce de Leon High School, class of 1949

She obtained her degree in psychology from the University of Miami in 1953 While at Miami, she was an active member of the Delta Zeta sorority where she made many lifelong friends. She was also a very devoted and lifelong fan of the Miami Hurricanes football team. One of Vera's greatest joys was the opportunity she had to impact young lives during her teaching career at Coral Gables High School from 1954 to 1958 She taught American Government and among her many beloved students whom she stayed in touch with over the years was former US Attorney General Janet Reno and celebrated composer Ellen Taaffe Zwilich. Although her time in the classroom was relatively brief, she nonetheless greatly influenced many young lives and she continued, informally to mentor others throughout her life.

After teaching Vera traveled the world as a stewardess for Pan American Airways for a few years and in late 1958, she met the love of her life, Austin Porfiri, at a dinner event honoring her US Congressman brother, the Honorable Dante B. Fascell. Austin and Vera were seated at the same table. They were engaged in one month's time and married three months later on Feb. 7, 1959. They spent their honeymoon in Havana, Cuba not long after Castro had ascended to power and before the country was closed off to American tourists. Vera and Austin celebrated their 50th anniversary with their children and grandchildren in 2009 on board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

For over three decades, Vera was very involved in the social community of Coral Gables and of the Riviera Country Club, in particular, and was a regular tennis player. She also was actively involved in St. Augustine Catholic Church community. For four decades, Vera and husband Austin hosted a Christmas Eve party in the Coral Gables area that was known and loved by many. For the past 10 years, Vera retired to Boca Raton, FL with her husband Austin to live near her daughter Carine and her two children. During this time she was very active in St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, ministering to elderly, lonely and sick. Vera was a living inspiration to her children, grandchildren, friends and colleagues. Her spirit touched thousands of people's lives in deep and profound ways. She is dearly missed by all who crossed her path in life.

Public Wake service at 7 pm Thursday August 18 at Glick Funeral home at Glick Funeral home in Boca Raton, Fl. Private burial services will be held Friday August 19 at “Our Lady Queen of Peace” cemetery in West Palm Beach. Public Memorial mass will be held in celebration of Vera’s life at 11 AM on Saturday Aug 20 at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Boca Raton, Fl.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to University of Miami Medical School, or to Life-can at (772)-219-1144, PO Box 1711, Palm City, FL  34991.

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