George Allen “Al” Ports passed away peacefully and surrounded by family after a brief illness, on February 24th, 2026, at the age of 90.

Al was born in 1936, in Philadelphia, PA to George H. and Anna L. Ports. He was a graduate of Baltimore City College High School and Rutgers University, where he majored in political science and played football and lacrosse. Al took time away from college and enlisted in the Army, where he was stationed in Naples, Italy gaining the rank of Staff Seargent and serving in Army Intelligence while also starting on the base competitive basketball team. Upon returning from the Army, Al completed college, making Dean’s list and meeting the love of his life, Candace Ray. They were married on November 19th, 1960, and were together for 66 years until his death,

Al was an analyst at the National Security Agency (NSA) and was stationed at Fort Meade, MD and Government Communications Headquarters in Cheltenham, UK, where he became good friends with Sir Hugh Alexander, the well-known cryptanalyst and chess champion. While there, Al and his family explored mainland Europe every summer in their VW van, camping whenever possible and introducing their children, extended family, and friends to the history, culture, and geography of the Old World.

In 1974, Al and his family moved to Wentworth, NH. Starting almost from scratch, they purchased an old farmhouse at the top of Atwell Hill and subsequently lived in Wentworth, and later Rumney. During that time, Al and the family worked on the small family farm together, while he also went back to school to receive his master’s degree in education from Plymouth State College (University), and began teaching Geography at Plymouth High School. Eventually, he received his Real Estate Brokers License and founded Ports Associates, a real estate firm that he ran until he retired.

Throughout all of this time, Al was an NCAA lacrosse and soccer official as well as a high school basketball official. He loved being a referee and enjoyed the friendships he made with coaches, players, and fellow officials. He served as the commissioner of NH soccer officials and was assigned to NCAA playoff and championship games as well.

Al was an active and respected birder and traveled across North America and the world to find new birds. He was an avid hiker and backpacker, historian, collector, conservationist and Rutgers booster. He served on the board for the Rumney Ecological Society, was active with the Audubon Society and the Communities for Alcohol and Drug Free Youth in Plymouth. He loved and explored the Mexican American culture of his winter home in Tubac, AZ where he and Candy wintered for two decades.

Perhaps his greatest legacy will be the work he did in Alcoholics Anonymous. Al dedicated much of his life to supporting those who were battling addiction, willing to meet with anyone day or night to provide support and served as a mentor to many, many people -all who became like family to him. It was his greatest honor to be of service to those who were struggling with alcoholism, and he was profoundly moved by the shared experiences of all those he met. He counted them all as dear friends.

Later in life, when they determined that they needed additional care, Al and Candy moved to Havenwood -Heritage Heights in Concord, NH. He continued to love meeting new people and learning about their life stories, which brought him tremendous joy.

Al is survived by his wife, Candace; his son, David Ports, of Bedford, NH and daughter, Laura Inkel, of Wilton, NH; Grandchildren, Anna Von Marschall, Milford, NH; Gus Von Marschall, Malden, MA; Gretchen Weatherbee, Barnstead, NH; Sam Ports, Bedford, NH; and Lily Ports, Bedford, NH. Al is also survived by three great grandchildren. Not to be forgotten are the many, many friends that he loved deeply and who are left with the same sense of loss as the family.

Al lived a life of purpose and devotion. He was brave, curious, compassionate, and above all, a wonderful father, husband, son, and friend. He leaves behind a legacy of love for others and a deeply satisfying life well led.

A gathering in his honor is scheduled for May 16th at the Common Man Inn, Plymouth, NH.