Steven G. Porter, a longtime teacher and coach whose career was closely connected to student athletics in the Remsen and Boonville communities, died on September 15, 2026, at Wynn Hospital following a brief illness. He was 67.
Porter was born on September 13, 1959, in Waterville, Maine, to Reginald and Marie Louise Gagne Porter. His family moved to Boonville in 1963, where he grew up and attended Adirondack Central School. He graduated with the Class of 1977.
From an early age, Porter developed a strong connection to local sports. He helped his father as a ballboy for Adirondack football and basketball teams, beginning a lifelong interest in teaching, coaching and supporting student athletes.
A Long Career in Teaching and Coaching
Porter later attended the University of Maine, where he earned a master’s degree in physical education and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. After returning to the Boonville area, he began coaching, including work as an assistant coach with the Adirondack varsity football team and coaching Legion Baseball.
In 1984, Porter began teaching physical education at West Canada Valley Central School. During his years there, he coached modified and varsity teams in football, basketball, boys swimming and baseball.
His basketball career became one of his most notable accomplishments. Porter coached the West Canada Valley boys varsity basketball team for 26 years and recorded 406 wins against 158 losses. His teams captured 13 league championships, three Section III titles and two New York State regional titles. The program also reached the NYS Final Four during the 1995-1996 and 2007-2008 seasons.
Porter’s accomplishments led to his induction into the Section III Boys Basketball Hall of Fame during the 2013-2014 season.
His success extended beyond basketball. His baseball teams won five league championships and two Section III titles. He also served as an assistant coach for the 1997-1998 boys varsity football team that won a state championship. He coached boys swimming, helped with intramural sports and ran the school’s summer swim program.
Porter retired from West Canada Valley Central School in 2015.
Family and Celebration of Life
Away from coaching, Porter enjoyed following the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots and Boston Bruins. He also supported Syracuse Orange football and basketball.
He is survived by his companion, Carol Lacomb, his son Tyler Porter, family members and many longtime friends. His parents and several aunts and uncles preceded him in death.
According to his obituary, there will be no traditional services in keeping with Porter’s wishes. A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, October 11, at Patty Jeans Country Restaurant in Newport, beginning at 1 p.m.
The family has asked those wishing to honor Porter to consider helping with the celebration or future memorial efforts being created in his memory.
