January 23, 1932 – November 10, 2019
Setty E. Porco ’59 died peacefully on Nov. 10, 2019. He was born the seventh child of Italian immigrant parents on Jan. 23, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan. The medical care he received after contracting polio as a child fueled his aspirations to become a physician.
Dr. Porco’s family moved to Burbank, California, and he eventually attended UCLA. To fund his educational goals, he enrolled in laboratory technology at White Memorial Hospital. Orlyn B. Pratt ’24, Hans H. Gregorius ’44-A, and Beverly J. Gregorius ’47 mentored him and encouraged him to apply to the College of Medical Evangelists.
Dr. Porco was one of two non-Adventist students accepted into the class of 1959. He was assigned to room with Bernard R. Marsh ’59, whom he credits with providing his introduction to Adventism which resulted in his baptism.
Dr. Porco married Donna Behner in 1956. They spent most of their married life in Sacramento, California, where he provided anesthesia to over 30,000 patients. He was also a prolific artist in oil paintings and an accomplished florist.
Dr. Porco was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, and his son, Chris. He married Shirley Hall in 2002 and enjoyed many happy years. He is survived by two children and five grandchildren.
(Source: Family of Dr. Porco)
