Porter Eaton Coggeshall ’68

Porter Eaton Coggeshall ’68 of Vienna, Virginia, died on January 3 from a heart attack while jogging. Born in Boston, the only child of Alice Eaton and Harrison Coggeshall, Porter grew up playing soccer and baseball. He came to Dartmouth from Belmont Hill School in Massachusetts. After graduation he earned a master’s from the University of North Carolina, where he met Mary Lambert Ball, who would become his wife for 52 years. He taught in North Carolina and Massachusetts before moving to the Washington, D.C., area. The couple settled in Virginia and raised daughters Elizabeth and Windsor. Porter began his career at the National Academy of Sciences in 1972, eventually rising to executive director of its report review committee. Colleagues remember him as “one of the kindest, most intelligent, and most caring people” who worked tirelessly to protect the integrity of the academy. A dedicated father, Porter coached youth basketball and soccer, tutored math, and worked on projects around the house. He spent countless hours volunteering with organizations dedicated to providing housing, meals, and employment for the homeless, such as Job Squad (which he cofounded) and Jubilee Jobs. He served on the board of directors of Miriam’s Kitchen and annually led teenagers on projects for Habitat for Humanity. An avid athlete, Porter completed six marathons and enjoyed hot yoga. Remembered for his integrity, hard work, sense of humor, and upbeat nature, Porter leaves Mary, two daughters, and son-in-law Marc.