Mr. William J. "Bill" Potter

FRANKFORT - Mr. William J. "Bill" Potter, age 74, went home to Jesus and his glory when he passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 15, 2023 with his loving family by his side. Bill was born in Watertown, NY, on November 3, 1948, to the late Parker J. and Vera (Leon) Potter. The family moved to Westernville when Bill was “knee high to a grasshopper.” There he attended a one-room schoolhouse, and later continued to further his education. In 1967 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving honorably in Vietnam until his discharge in 1969. He was the arm-wrestling champion of his battalion. With his skills he was chosen to be a member of the Navy Seabees, and lived by their motto “Seabee’s can do!” Bill was a decorated serviceman, the recipient of several medals. On November 21, 2010, Bill married Candiss J. Morra (Acquaviva). God truly put them together. Bill’s compassionate heart made for a heartfelt and true husband. Bill and Candiss shared twelve-and-a-half years together, for which they were so grateful and blessed. Linda (Petrie) Potter was Bill’s first wife and the mother of his children. They were young, and they were each other’s firsts. They remained faithfully married and in admiration of one another until her passing on July 21, 2009. Bill assisted his dad in their logging business. His responsibility was to chop wood using an axe and go-devil, and then cord the wood. He then worked for Madison Silos throughout the Northeast. They made silos from reinforced concrete with exterior galvanized steel hoops, which were notable for their structural integrity. He also worked for Rig All, Inc., as a crane operator. Bill enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to operate any type of large equipment or machinery. . Last he worked for Rome Turney, as a hand former for machine radiators. He was masterful at hardforming piping to suit the schematics of a job. At every job site, although Bill was battling rheumatoid arthritis, he conquered as much as possible. He was a fighter, and did everything possible to continue his positive enthusiasm: anything to support his family. His perseverance was admirable. Bill had a witty sense of humor, and was a great conversationalist. He took pleasure in meeting new people, and savored many old friends. When he met a fellow vet, he honored and treasured those meetings. He loved extra time spent on the road and would always take the scenic route! Bill was an avid outdoorsman, a bit of a prankster, and a storyteller. He hunted deer and would fill his freezer with venison. He was also a skilled fly fisherman, and he had a created a unique fly he nicknamed “The Bill Potter Special Fly” with which he was the luckiest. He mastered the art of cooking his wild game, too. He loved old western movies and he always drove a Toyota Tacoma. He was civilized but still feral—he spent as much time as possible outdoors and earned the nickname “The Bull of the Woods.” He was a volunteer for the Department of Environmental Conservation, a hunter safety education instructor, a masterful gunsmith and armorer, an inventor, a sharp-shooter in the range, and in his younger years an excellent golfer and award-winning archer.. Bill was a devout Christian. He turned to his faith during difficult times and developed a deep relationship with the Lord. He met his present wife during a worship service, and their souls became united. The Holy Spirit brought them together, and they were gracious and merciful to each other. Bill was a member of the Life in Christ Family Church in Clinton. Pastors Peter and Adeline Forrester are their spiritual leaders and dear friends. Bill is survived by his loving and selfless wife, Candiss; and his children and their loves, Julie Potter and her fiancée Dave Jones, William Parker Potter and Alex Mazza, and his step-daughter, Dr. Jamie Acquaviva Chaufty and her husband Dr. Jeremy Chaufty; his grandchildren, Finnegan, and Callahan Potter; and step-granddaughter, Alaina Chaufty. He also leaves behind his sisters and their loves, his twin Dianne and her husband Larry Lewis, and Gloria and Randy Ferdinand. He will be held in the hearts of numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and in-laws, Debbie Voorhess and Dan Schofield, and Dr. Joseph and Maria Morra. A guy like this could have only had so many friends and countless and meaningful memories. He held close to his heart his church family and was often visited by his pastors Peter and Adeline Forrester. Christine and George Risley and Richard Albigese frequently visited Bill at home during his confinement. Bill was predeceased by his father-in-law Joseph Morra and his life partner Patricia Ricard. Gratitude is extended to physicians and staff at Bassett Healthcare locations in Cooperstown, Clinton and Herkimer. They were an excellent group of professionals who guided and cared for Bill and his family. His faith also was something that gave him stability and comfort. Thanks as well to the staff of the Siegenthaler Center who were all a true blessing and their services and accommodations provided for such a wonderful surrounding. A Memorial Gathering in Bill's honor will be held on Sunday, June 18, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Bill's Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Bill's honor may be made to Life in Christ Family Church online at http://www.licfc.com/; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

Mr. William J. "Bill" Potter

November 3, 1948 - June 15, 2023