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Frank Potenza Obituary
A statement from the show says Potenza died early Tuesday. Further details weren't immediately available.
The silver-haired Potenza had served as a New York City police officer for two decades and as a private security guard before Kimmel asked him to join his show in 2003. On "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Potenza was paired in comedy bits with Guillermo Rodriguez, a real-life parking lot security guard for the show.
Potenza and his former wife, Conchetta "Chippy" Potenza, also were sent by Kimmel on comic "adventures" such as working on a dairy farm.
The Kimmel show says Potenza's "kindness and humor" will be missed by all who knew him.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
260 Entries
Dawn Burghardt
December 29, 2013
Uncle Frank is missed and always will be. Sending comforting thoughts to all his family. Cherish the memories. Thinking of you all as this holiday season is here.
Kristal L. Rosebrook Ryan
March 17, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
How you can show support
Katherine
September 10, 2011
Your Dad was such a sweet kind man and it shone through whenever he was on camera. Your grief must be so great when you had such a light in your life. I wish you much love and peace in the days and months ahead.
Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Love from Canada
September 8, 2011
Dear Jimmy and Family. Your Uncle Frank was more than a TV Celebrity to me, he was a far away friend, and a relief from everyday sameness. I am old too ( 89 ) and I looked forward to Uncle Franks quips. I will miss him. My sincerest and saddist condolences go out to you, and everyone who was in everyday contact with him ... In your loving tribute to him, tears were in my eyes too... May God Bless You All... Norm
Dawn Burghardt
September 7, 2011
To Uncle Frank's family and Jimmy Kimmel, my thoughts and prayers are sent to you all. My condolences.
Uncle Frank will be missed.
sheila m
September 7, 2011
To all JKL friends and family - what a guy your Uncle Frank was. He was so humble, kind and could laugh at himself. Jimmy Kimmel has a way of finding humor in just about everyone and Uncle Frank was terrific material. I miss him & I knew him only from JK LIVE.
Lisa c
September 7, 2011
To the family and friends of uncle Frank, my condolences to you all. May Uncle Franks humor and generosity always be remembered.I'll miss the comedy team especially of Uncle Frank and Aunt Chippy.
Lisa C,(Az)
Tom Hackett
September 7, 2011
To Frank Potenza Family:
Our sincere condolences to you all with our prayers to guide the hope that your grief will lessen as time goes by.
Tom Hackett and GLT staff,
pizza mike
September 7, 2011
to the Potenza/KimmeL Family ,you have been blessed in your lives to share a special man. thank you for sharing him with the world. I was waiting to see the tribute for Frank and thinking about him the last two wks. Sure will miss our talks in the green room, i could listen to his stories forever. great job jimmy, i know it was rough, and the 2 cleto's knocked it outta the park. two more classy guys there. Bless you all, your show is one GREAT family . hope to see you soon... pizza mike
Linda Adams
September 7, 2011
JIMMY AND FAMILY, I LOVED UNCLE FRANK. HE WAS AWESOME, FUNNY, AND ALWAYS SO KIND. MAY THE ANGELS SURROUND YOU. PEACE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS.
Lori
September 6, 2011
Jimmy, Guillermo, The Jimmy Kimmel Show staff, all loved ones and friends:
So sorry for your loss. Uncle Frank will be missed. He made us smile and laugh-what a joy!! Oh the memories!
Michele C
September 6, 2011
TO JIMMY,AND AUNT CHIPPY
UNCLE FRANK YOU WILL TRULY MISSED.YOU WERE MY LAUGHTER,A JOY IN EVERYTHING YOU
DID...MY PRAYERS AND LOVE ALWAYS.
,Teresa Bazyk
September 6, 2011
I will really miss Uncle Frank being on Jimmy Kimmel Live. It will be hard to find anyone to take his place.
ken ziegler
September 5, 2011
Frank will be missed he was one of the best parts of the show
September 2, 2011
Uncle Frank always made me smile, and he will be missed. My thoughts and condolences to all of Uncle Frank's family and friends. God rest his soul..
Lanie
Crystal Andrews
September 2, 2011
God Bless you always. RIP Uncle Frank.
Melody Whitney
September 2, 2011
You will be missed Uncle Frank. My thoughts and prayers go to his daughters and family. God must have needed a very special angel. Rest in peace.
Kat Pryor
September 2, 2011
My condolences to Mrs. Frank Potenza & Family, Jimmy Kimmel & his staff/crew. May prayers be with you all but also may great memories of Uncle Frank soften the sadness in this time of sorrow.
Louise Connors
August 31, 2011
Uncle Frank was one of a kind. His passing will leave an empty spot on Jimmy Kimmel Live. I will miss his natural humor. I want to send my condolences to Jimmy and Aunt Chippy.
Marilyn
August 31, 2011
To Jimmy K., so sad to hear of your Uncles passing. His comedy made the show more fun to watch. He will be greatly missed.
August 31, 2011
I really enjoyed Jimmy's show with Uncle Frank It made laugh. I am sad the news. I will miss seeing him on your show Jimmy. I wish to extend my sympathy for your whole family
Sheryl Sternberg
August 31, 2011
sorry to hear . I enjoyed Uncle Frank on Jimmie's show. He will be missed. Sheryl from Monroeville,Pa
LLR
August 31, 2011
Sorry for your loss. May knowing others care give you a measure of comfort. May God who see your pain of heart give you all the needed strength to endure. For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me.
Maria Angeles
August 31, 2011
So sorry of his passing. He will surely be missed by many many viewer like myself.
Roy
August 30, 2011
Uncle Frank, You will be deeply missed. My prayers to you , and your family at this time.
Karen Lambert
August 29, 2011
Just a delightful man to enhance Jimmy Kimmel's show. Sorry for your loss Jimmy and know "Uncle Frank" will always be remembered as part of your show..after his retirement.
Maybe, you can have an "Uncle Frank" angel visit the show!!!
Prayers and condolences to the family.
Scott Bruno
August 29, 2011
He was a great guy no doubt. Sorry to hear of Frank's passing.
Scott pgh. pa
Shawn & Victoria Gamble
August 29, 2011
Uncle Frank was a joy to watch, he added to Jimmy Kimmel. You will be sorely missed..
Patti&Patrick Dierna
August 29, 2011
He shall be Dearly Missed ! He also added, to the Show. What a Joy He was & what a Smile !!! We Are... Shocked & Awed... By His Passing. And, Oh So Sorry. His Family,and Loved ones... are in Our Prayers.
maria moreno
August 29, 2011
He was a joy to watch, He will be deeply missed our sympathy to his family during this difficult time
Wesley Derey
August 29, 2011
He added to the show, but what a smile the man had. I will miss him as I know Jimmy will.
Bill Lewis
August 29, 2011
He will surely be missed. Made me laugh all the time.
Rita M
August 29, 2011
I will be saying the rosary for the family. God is with you Jimmy and family
Nancy & Dennis Kilsdonk
August 29, 2011
Dear Potenza and Kimmel Families:
We were so very saddened and sorry to hear of Frank's passing. Don't we all wish we had an endearing Uncle Frank, with such a wonderful smile and so very proud of his family! He was such a treasure to have on JKL, as he seemed willing to participate in any aspect of the show. For years now, since watching the show, any time we have cake, we think of Uncle Frank! All fans and anyone associated with the show will sorely miss him! Remember Jimmy and family, and Aunt Chippy and daughters, to let the good memories play over and over in your hearts! May God help your families through this most difficult time, and please know you are included in our prayers.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Sue Christiansen
August 28, 2011
So sorry to hear of Mr. Potenza's passing. My prayers and condolences go out to Mr. Kimmel and the family.
Sondra Curtin
August 28, 2011
I always wondered if "Uncle Frank" was Jimmy's "real" uncle. Well,Jimmy,you were lucky---HE WAS and he will be missed by many! Goodnight "Uncle Frank" and sweet dreams---
August 28, 2011
R I P
Chippy you are going to miss him more than you know i am glad to see you and frank stayed frinds after the bigD good luck to you and jimmy and the show
p.s. keep up your part on the show please
dennis gold mbane nc
Dave Sheppard
August 28, 2011
so sorry for your loss
August 28, 2011
Thank you Uncle Frank for the many funny
moments and laughter.
Joan Moscicke, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
The Kirkland Family
August 28, 2011
I was so sorry to hear of "Uncle Frank's" passing. I loved his banter with Jimmy. My prayers are with his family and all of his fans.
James Wright
August 27, 2011
Condolences to the Potenza family. Rest In Paradise Uncle Frank you will be missed.
harry&vicki maxwell
August 27, 2011
to the potenza family,we are sorry for your loss! uncle frank brought many smiles to us.god bless.
Linda Loveless
August 27, 2011
We will miss Uncle Frank.
Linda and Gary
Ryan Ashley
August 27, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time.
I hope that the family finds comfort from Psalms 147:3 which says:
"He is healing the broken-hearted ones
And is binding up their painful spots."
May you find comfort in God's promises
and the support of friends and family in the difficult days ahead.
C. J. Wydick
August 27, 2011
I am so sorry for the family, he will be missed. I loved watching him on the show. He will surely be missed my all,
Vearnetta White
August 27, 2011
Jimmy & Family - The peace of God be with you. Uncle Frank added such warmth and wit to the show. Know that others will miss him too.
Lisa Adams Littrell
August 27, 2011
Uncle Frank was the best reality star on tv. I loved the whole concept on Jimmie's show from the 1st show. To have his Uncle,such a real everyday man, with such a love for life, and to see how happy he was with his role, was a pleasure to watch, he made me smile. God Bless his loved ones. His spirit will live on for a long time on that stage for us, and in life for his family. Good Night Uncle Frank, see ya later...
August 27, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time.
I hope that the family finds comfort from Psalms 147:3 which says:
"He is healing the broken-hearted ones
And is binding up their painful spots."
May you find comfort in God's promises
and the support of friends and family in the difficult days ahead.
Barney, Atlanta, Ga.
Gary Brown
August 27, 2011
Everyone loved Uncle Frank! What an unassuming nice guy!
Frank Coletta
August 27, 2011
The Coletta family sends our thoughts and prayers. Frank was a great person who will be missed dearly.
Jennifer C Schultz Castillo
August 26, 2011
Dear Jimmy I am missing Frank already as he would always brighten the deep dark cold black vortex that exists in my soul. I hope you know that you, Guillermo and Frank make our lives brighter. ooxxooXXoXoX
Billye Moutra
August 26, 2011
Please know that you are in our thoughts.
Norma Villarreal
August 26, 2011
I will miss Uncle Frank may he rest in peace and we will see him again .... Jimmy has been so loyal to his family and I just wish that everyone would be that way. I love you Jimmy
Monique
August 26, 2011
Uncle Frank will be missed.
August 26, 2011
Jimmy and the family of Uncle Frank, our deepest sympathy. Prayers are with you and your family. D Frisk..Rapid City, SD
josephine penna
August 26, 2011
dear jimmy and family uncle frank made us laugh every time he was on.he will really be missed by all his fans. josephine penna family cherry hill nj
August 26, 2011
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your wonderful Uncle Frank. He was a great addition to the show, and he will be greatly missed by the audience.
Ruthie (Florida)
J. Castillo
August 26, 2011
Uncle Frank will be missed... My Prayers go out to Jimmy and Uncle Frank's family and friends.
charlotte armstead-ellison
August 26, 2011
RIP uncle Frank!!!!Prayers to you Jimmy.
August 26, 2011
Jimmy and Uncle Frank's family, I am sending my sincere condolences. Uncle Frank was that wonderful uncle to everyone who watched the show. I am deeply sorry for you and all of us who will not see that engaging smile every night..he will be greatly missed.. G-d bless you and your's and thank you for sharing that sweet man.
Jane (Longwood, FL)
Maria Morales
August 26, 2011
Jimmy and Family,
I was deeply sadden to see that Uncle Frank pass away to eternal life. My prayers are with you. God be
Mike Underhill
August 26, 2011
I am sorry for your great loss of "uncle frank". I always watch the " Jimmy Kimmel" show and enjoyed Franks skits. He will be missed.
Todd and Val
August 26, 2011
We are very saddened to hear of Frank's passing. He always entertained us and kept us laughing,what a great guy and what a great sense of humor he had! Our deepest sympathy to all of Frank's family,to the crew of JKL and especially to you Jimmy. He certainly will be missed,but leaves behind a legacy that will live on. May you find comfort in your memories.
August 25, 2011
So sorry to learn of "Uncle Frank's " passing. May you always cherish his memory. He will be missed on the show he was very funny. Pat (VA)
constance Richardson
August 25, 2011
Jimmy and Uncle Frank's Family ,
I send you all good blessings in having such a wonderful person in your lives . I only know Uncle Frank by staying up every night to watch the Jimmy Kimmel's show , " great late night show " He is just away and left us all with great memories, He will rest in peace. I often times wish I could see Jimmy face to face or write to tell him how much Uncle Frank draw me to watch his great late night show , such laughter to his show . He is a man with great standard
Constance Richardson
james leger
August 25, 2011
he maid me smile just by seeing his smile, the show won't be the same without him,thanks Jimmy for sharing him with us.
Patty Cross
August 25, 2011
So sorry for you loss. Uncle Frank and all of Jimmy's family made that show not only funny, but made each one of us know that our families are full of humor and in the long run we all have the same type of lives and struggles. The show will not be the same without Uncle Frank and I know that Jimmy, Aunt Chippy, Cousin Sal, and Guimerro will go on but with an enormous hole in their hearts. I do believe even from the grave that Uncle Frank will still give them many laughs and hopefully us too. I will truly miss all of the stunts between Uncle Frank and Aunt Chippy, they were the absolute funniest skits on the show and they made me want more. My condolences to all of the family, co-workers, and fans as Uncle Frank will never be forgotten and can never be replaced. Thanks for the memories Uncle Frank!!!
Patty Cross
Portage Lakes, Ohio
Annette
August 25, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Gail Siegel
August 25, 2011
Deeply saddened to learn of Uncle Frank's passing. He was such a fun person to watch & enjoy.
My condolences to Jimmy and his family. May all their memories of Frank always bring a smile to their faces & their hearts.
Rest In Peace, Frank Potenza. You will be missed.
August 25, 2011
Condolences to the Potenza family. May the God of all comfort be with you.
Doug Weaver
August 25, 2011
What a joy that the show brought him to us. He will be missed.
Beth
August 25, 2011
I so hate to hear this. Uncle Frank will be missed by us loyal Kimmel viewers. My prayers are with his family and friends. Thanks for the laughs Uncle Frank. May you rest in peace.
Roxanne
August 25, 2011
I will miss you, Uncle Frank! You were always the highlight of the show!
JIM DEATHERAGE
August 25, 2011
UNCLE FRANK WAS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ON THE JIMMY KIMMEL SHOW...HE WILL BE MISSED...LONG LIVE UNCLE FRANK IN MEMORY
August 25, 2011
May you rest in peace Frank. Our deepest sympathies to your wonderful family fom our family, the Battaglia's. While we laughed and loved you on JKL, we remember you as the wonderful man and friend you were to us when we were neighbors on East 1st St. in Bklyn. You were truly the kindest man. I remember when you took us to Prospect Park and to Marlou Garments for our dreaded school uniforms along with your girls and Chippy. Also, always getting my brother Joey to fall for the "I don't think this cake smells right trick" at every birthday party. Good times and loving memories. God Bless Chippy, Anne, Sally, Mickie, Jimmy and all of your loving family at this difficult time.
Alicia ((Battaglia) Barone, Freehold, NJ
Cindi Werthmuller
August 25, 2011
I LOVED Uncle Frank, so sorry for your loss..He will be missed! Rest In Peace Uncle Frank <3<3<3
August 25, 2011
Jimmy & Family of Uncle Frank my condolences to you all. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. He will be missed. God Bless you all through this difficult time.
Patty, San Antonio, TX
Becky L Kourkounakis
August 25, 2011
You will be greatly missed. What a wonderful and funny person. RIP.
Jewel Trsek
August 25, 2011
I will miss seeing Uncle Frank on your show Jimmy. He seemed like such a nice man and your love for him was obvious. I sincerely wish you the strength of God to help you get through this very, very sad time in your life.
Mike M
August 25, 2011
Grazie zio Frank e Dio vi benedica per tutti i ricordi.
Connie B
August 25, 2011
Oh Uncle Frank! You left us too soon! May you find great happiness in your journey to the other side! So sorry for your loss Aunt Chippy, Jimmy & family...
Mary
August 25, 2011
Jimmy, I am so sorry to hear about your Uncle Frank. He was the Greatest. Thank You for making me laugh. It has been hard and when I turn on your show, he would be there, he would make me laugh. You don't know me but I am just a fan. God Bless your family, just remember his jokes and Happy time. RIP Uncle Frank
August 24, 2011
Jimmy - so sorry to hear about Uncle Frank. Thanks for sharing him all these years with us....Will miss his smile and genuinely sweet heart.. God bless. We have another angel looking out for us...Jane Frago, Merced CA
August 24, 2011
SO SORRY TO HEAR THIS TERRI BLE NEWS....I LOVED UNCLE FRANK......CATHY, LYNCHBURG, VA.
August 24, 2011
i am saddened he was funny
Deanna Neuberg
August 24, 2011
May sweet and fun memories bring you and your family comfort and peace.
Chevey Smith
August 24, 2011
I will miss Jimmy's uncle Frank, he all ways made me laugh.
Danna White
August 24, 2011
Frank Potenza...RIP. My sympathies and condolences to Jimmy Kimmel and the rest of the family. Uncle Frank will be sorely missed by all. Danna White
Kelly Grall
August 24, 2011
Jill,
I met you on Thursday, and when we spoke of Uncle Frank you mentioned he was ill. I was so saddened to hear of his passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure he is making heaven a brighter place with his humor
Brendan
August 24, 2011
Frank always made me crack up. RIP.
Roy Salinas
August 24, 2011
Oh Uncle Frank, youa breaka my heart cause youa leaving; I"m sure you are a star in heaven now...Aunt Chippy sorry for lost...
S.Y.
August 24, 2011
Please accept my condolences on your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you.
Janice Rizzo
August 24, 2011
I'm so sorry for the loss of Uncle Frank. Having him and sometimes Chippy as part of the program was great fun and truly and endearing part of the show. What was important to me as a viewer was the humanity of it. In an age where faster, slicker and sort of skating from relationship to relationship, friendships and family included, having family members on the show was a grounding position that said we really can all just enjoy each other, have a huge laugh as we do it and still be very successful! Thank you, Jimmy, for giving Uncle Frank to us for so many years. You are both great role models. My sympathy to Jimmy + Chippy + the entire family
Donna Zadka
August 24, 2011
I loved Uncle Frank, he was the best. I would like to send my deepest sympathy to his whole family,and all the members of the staff on the Jimmy Kimmel show. He will be missed.
charise morgan
August 24, 2011
Uncle Frank made many happy through the power of laughter. The "Happy God"-1Timothy 1:11, will bring joy once again to Uncle Frank's family by means of the resurrection, right here on here on earth, where we all can continue to enjoy laughter and joy with him once again.-Isaiah 26:19.
Sincerely,
[email protected]
Karen Salvucci
August 24, 2011
How sad...He was such a character...He will be missed by so many...Blessings to you and your family Jimmy...?Hugs?
Mary Sloan
August 24, 2011
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Uncle Frank. You are bnlessed to have had him in your life, I felt like he was my Uncle as well. My prayer for you and your family is that GOD will hold You and Yours inthe paslms of His Hands during this difficult time of your life, giving you wisdom , patience,peace and love. Rest In Peace Uncle Frank.
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