Richard T. “The Thermometer Man” Porter, 89, of Onset, formerly of Bedford, died Jan. 22. He was the husband of Barbara A. (Hurley) Porter for 66 years. He was the son of the late Thornton A. and Geraldine F. (York) Porter.

He was born on Massachusetts Avenue in Boston and was a graduate of Somerville High School class of 1946 and earned degrees from Graceland College and Boston University. He started his teaching career in 1955 as a middle school science teacher in the Town of Lexington, retiring in 1982 and moving to Onset.

He was a Korean War Veteran serving in the United States Air Force. He also served over 50 years as an Elder in his church, The Community of Christ. He was an avid environmentalist serving with membership in many groups including the Senior Environmental Corp of Cape Cod. He was also a lover of history and enjoyed many years as a member of the Bedford Minutemen.

After retiring, Mr. Porter operated, out of his home, what he called the “World’s Only Thermometer Museum” with his collection of over 5,000 thermometers. He was featured in the Guinness Book of World Records, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and countless newspaper articles over the years. The collection took he and his wife to four continents, 20 countries, and all 50 states. He was well known for his lecture presentations and his collection bearing his name is housed at a national weather museum at Penn State University.

He is survived by his wife, daughter, Pamela G. Medeiros and her husband Michael of Truro and their sons, Jesse and Chad. His daughter, Janet D. Minkle passed away in 1990 at the age of 37 leaving her children, Nicole A. Minkle, Christopher Minkle and his wife Alex and Daniel A. Minkle, Jr. and his sons, Daniel, III and Brandon. Also leaving his brother, Bruce Porter and sister, Dawn Mann, along with many nieces and nephews.

Services are private.

Donations in his memory may be made to an Environmental Agency of choice.

Arrangements are by the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway, Wareham. For more info and online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.