Mr. John A. Potenza, Sr.

Mr. John A. Potenza, Sr., age 84, a native Utican, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 surrounded by loving family in Syracuse where he had made his home for the past 10 years. Born in Utica on June 24, 1932, John was one of nine children born to the late Vito and Serafina (Dellerba) Potenza. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1950. A proud veteran of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, John honorably served his country from 1954-1956 during the Korean Conflict. On September 21, 1957 he married his high school sweetheart, the former Nancy Convertino. He then continued his education at Utica College of Syracuse University where he graduated cum laude in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. During their nearly 35 years of marriage, John and Nancy were all about family. They sacrificed for their children, and “the boys” were their life. The blessing of grandchildren made their life even better. Nancy passed away on September 12, 1992. John worked at Griffiss Air Force Base as an Electrical Engineer developing radar and sonar technology, retiring in 1988. As a patriarch, his family was his greatest source of pride. He enjoyed coaching his sons’ Little League baseball teams, and he fondly reminisced about the wonderful times and memories made at family holiday parties and reunions. His leisure pursuits included gardening, remodeling his home, and playing golf, tennis, horseshoes, billiards, and bowling. John was also concerned with civic interests and was active in community and social affairs. In his retirement years he lovingly cared for his wife Nancy, spent time with his family, and volunteered at Faxton Hospital, St. Francis De Sales Church, and Hospice & Palliative Care. John was a humble, giving man of great faith. He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, St. Francis De Sales Church, the Knights of St. John Commandery #385, the Social Athletic Club, and was more recently a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. John will be remembered for his many altruistic attributes and his pleasant persona, especially his slight smile,… always a sign of his appreciation and love. John is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Vito J. and Ann Potenza of Rochester, Dr. Mark S. and Theresa Potenza of Syracuse, and John, Jr. and Jean Potenza of Endwell; his grandchildren, Gina and Robert Rigsby, and John Potenza; Dr. Marissa Potenza and fiance Tom Burke, Christopher Potenza, Nicholas Potenza, Joseph Potenza, Anthony Potenza, Matthew Potenza; Dominica Potenza, and Michael Potenza; and his great-grandson, Robert Rigsby. He was blessed to share a great companionship with the late Marilyn Goodman who preceded him. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Josephine “Jody” Potenza, Eugene DelMonte, Anna Marie Leach, Sebastian “Sal” “Buster” Convertino, and Betty Convertino. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Agatha “Ida” and Peter DeCarlo, Catherine “Kay” and Rocco Graziadei, Rose and Joseph Fiore, Palma “Polly” and Raymond Zangrilli, and Mary and Sebastian “Buster” DiCesare; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Dominick and Anne Potenza, Stephen and Mary Potenza, and Abbate “Pat” Potenza; and his in-laws, Potenza “Pat” DelMonte, Robert Leach, and Frank J. Convertino. The family extends their gratitude to the caring staff of the Brookdale Senior Living Center and the friends John made as a resident over the past 10 years; the personnel of the Intensive Care Unit at Upstate Medical University Hospital in Syracuse for the care rendered to John; their professionalism, attentiveness, and compassion were greatly appreciated; and Fr. Denny Hayes for his spiritual guidance and blessings. Visitation will be held Sunday from 3:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave., Utica NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of John to the Abraham House in remembrance of those who received love and attention in their greatest time of need at www.theabrahamhouse.org; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. John’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Committal prayers and Military Honors will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Mr. John A. Potenza, Sr.

June 24, 1932 - November 16, 2016