Lieutenant Todd P. Porter, the man, the myth, and the master of the nautical dad joke, sailed off into the great beyond on September 7, 2024, after 28 years of dedicated service in the U.S. Coast Guard. Todd was known for his impressive ability to navigate both the waters of the Outer Banks and the complexities of family gatherings without ever losing his sense of humor—or his sunglasses.

Todd made a splash during his service in the U.S. Coast Guard, particularly for his willingness to spearhead numerous daunting initiatives that no one else wanted to take on. From leading the rebuilding of the levees in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina to handling high-pressure search and rescue missions at Cape Hatteras, Todd never shied away from challenges. It’s rumored he once considered using his engineering skills to turn the levees into a surf park, but thankfully, he decided against it. His final act of heroism was leading missions to recover lost flip-flops and wayward beach umbrellas with the same dedication he brought to everything he did.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, of Virginia Beach, who will undoubtedly keep the laughter alive in their home. His son, Jonathan, and wife Michelle, will forever cherish his memory at family gatherings, where Todd’s laughter will still be heard, likely while plotting his next big bike ride or hiking adventure—two of his favorite pastimes that didn’t involve climbing up the family tree to discover how many uncles he had. In addition, Todd is survived by his step children Gregory, Nicholas, and Jessica.

Todd leaves behind his parents, Judy and Lawnie Porter of Norman, OK. His brother Darren and wife Sandy, along with their kids, Dustin, Joshua and Sarah Rose, his sister Tami Hogan, her husband Patrick, and daughter Gigi Rose, and Todd’s niece Bunni Bishop will remember him fondly as “Uncle Toad”. He was preceded in death by his sister Tiffany, who no doubt has already organized a heavenly bike race with him, and a few uncles who are likely arguing over who gets to join the family bike club first.

In lieu of flowers, Todd would want you to celebrate life—preferably with a good laugh, some music, and perhaps a hike or two. The next time you find yourself near the ocean, pause for a moment and think of him—Todd always found peace at the beach, and his spirit will forever be at home there.

Rest easy, Todd. The tides will surely miss you, but your laughter will echo in our hearts forever.