| Date of Birth | January 2, 1942 |
| Passed Away | December 18, 2012 |
| Place of Residence | Hornell |
| Home State | NY |
| Service Date | January 19, 2013 |
| Service Time | 11:00 AM |
| Service Location | St. Ann's Church |
| Interment Location | St. Ann's Cemetery |
Hornell–Donald P. Potter, 70, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, at Trinity Hospital, Holiday, Florida.
Don was born on January 2, 1942 in Lawrence Park, Pennsylvania, the son of Frederick (Foo) and Clara Potter. He graduated from Lawrence Park High School and attended Eastern Michigan University. He moved to Hornell in 1961 and has resided here since.
He was a familiar face at the family business, Hornell Bowl, and was later a partner. Don remained at the Hornell Bowl until 1992, when he made a career change to management at Valu Home Center, until his retirement in 2008. His smiling face will be remembered by all in the community.
Don was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church, where he was a faithful attendee of daily mass. In his earlier years he could be found chairing the St. Ann’s Fall Festival, or coaching Cinderella and Princess softball, as well as Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball. Don also enjoyed bowling–having several 300 hundred games as well as an 800 series to his name.
More recently, Don has taken to watching his grandchildren playing sports. You could see him at soccer, baseball, basketball and football games. He even enjoyed swim meets and dance recitals. He will be incredibly missed by his family and friends.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Foo and Clara.
He is survived by his loving wife and companion of 50 years, Ann (DeGaetano), as well as his three children Catherine (David) Kimball of Hornell, Jill (Jeff)Brown of Hornell, and Jason (Ann Mershon) Potter of Hammonton, New Jersey. Also surviving are his eight grandchildren: David Kimball and Tawney Samultulski; Julia, Allison Rose and Jack Henby; Jason and Lauren Potter; and Heather Mershon. He is also survived by his siblings–Jack (Christie) Potter of Colorado, Charlie (Sue) Potter of Churchville, Nancy Kirtland of Cape May Point, New Jersey, and Mary Jo (Ken) Burgess of Bradenton, Florida. Don will also be missed by many, many special nieces, great nieces, nephews, and great nephews.
There will be a memorial service in celebration of Don’s life at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday January 19, 2013 at St. Ann’s Church.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Hornell YMCA pool fund, 12 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843.
Arrangements are being handled by the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell, NY.
Hi Ann and family, Lois and I are so sorry to read in the paper of your troubles, We were never very close but we remember Donnie as a great guy who would do anything for you and you both were very generous to us when we visited with Jim and Fran. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.lol
Ann,
Inge and I were deeply saddened to hear about Don’s unexpected passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We enjoyed seeing you both last year during the holidays even if it was for a short time.
To Ann and Family, Our prayers are with your family. It’s been many years since we were neighbors and since I worked for you at the Bowl but my family thinks of you often, Just this past weekend we were remembering you and the dogs, especially Alex. You brought us many smiles. Seems like just yesterday. So Sorry about Don, he’s a wonderful man and will always be with you in heart and spirit. God Bless, Kim (Kelley) Ward and family, Rebersburg, PA
Our condolences go out to the Potter family. It was a pleasure having Don work for our company for over 15 years. His smile and positive attitude made him a special person. Our prayers are with all of you.