Charles “Hickory” Vaughn Potter

Charles “Hickory” Vaughn Potter

PULTENEY/PENN YAN – Charles “Hickory” Vaughn Potter, 88, of Pulteney and Penn Yan went to be with his Lord and Savior and love of his life, Harriette, suddenly on January 9, 2024. He was born in Pulteney, New York to the late Isolid and Francis Potter on August 31, 1935.

He graduated from Hammondsport High School and attended Alfred State College.  He retired from Taylor Winery/Pleasant Valley Winery/Great Western Winery after over 40 years, where previously his father was the manager and his mother worked in administration.  Hickory was very active in his community and had quite the social life.  He was the last living member of The Melody Boys Barbershop Quartet (Robert & Richard Shuart, Ed Simonson), Chaplain of the Free and Accepted Masons Milo Lodge #108 Penn Yan, longtime member of the Unity Chapter #886 Bath, New York Eastern Star recently installed as an Associate Patron, lifetime member of the Pulteney Fire Department, lifetime member of The Pulteney Presbyterian Church where he sang in the choir with his sister (Ann),NRA member, and a cherished member of ‘Camp Gusto’, his beloved hunting camp family.

Charles was always there for his family, friends, and community, volunteering his time whenever he could.  Charles made friends everywhere he went, loved to chat, never sat still, and was a ‘straight shooter’.  He left his family and friends with many cherished memories.

He is survived by his sister, Ann Bailey; sons Jeffrey (Gabriele) Potter, John (Kim) Potter and Brock (Lynn) Potter; grandchildren Hans (Kristiana) Potter, Shauna (Kyle) Cook, and Wade (Deneé) Potter; great grandchildren Ayden and Jaxson Potter; sisters-in-law Teri VanVliete and Jacquelyn (James) Robinson; brother-in-law Frederick (Randi) VanVliete; long time friend Norman ‘Bucky’ Bates; several nieces and nephews;  and his trusted companion, dog Luke.

Charles was predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Harriette O. Potter; his parents Isolid and Frances Potter; his grandmother Bernice Wheeler; and brothers-in-law Donald Bailey and James VanVliete.

A Fireman/Mason/Order of the Eastern Star Service will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church of Pulteney with Rev. Donald Peek officiating.  A graveside committal service will be held in the spring.

Donations can be made in Charles’ name to your local animal shelter, the Pulteney Fire Department, or the First Presbyterian Church of Pulteney.

The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main St., HAMMONDSPORT is honored to assist Charles’ family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Charles are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.