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Ronald Potocki Obituary

Ronald J. Potocki “Cherished his family & friends” Ronald J. Potocki, Sr., 71, of Millcreek, passed away unexpectedly Monday, October 22, 2007. Born in Erie March 11, 1936, he was the son of the late Sidney and Lottie Mikolajczyk Potocki. He was a graduate of St. Ann Parochial School, Cathedral Prep, class of 1953, and attended the University of Detroit, and earned a Bachelor’s and Master of Science degree at Gannon College. He excelled in athletics in High School and College. He taught in the Erie School District for 25 years, retiring in 1998, teaching at Twin Tech and Wayne Middle Schools . Prior to his teaching career, he had worked at G.E. and the American Meter Co. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Association of Retirees. After his retirement he taught adult education math at the Northwest Tri County Institute, Unit #5. Ronald enjoyed golfing with his wife and friends and watching sports. He was an avid Notre Dame football fan, but will be most remembered for his gentle nature, his kind heart, enduring faith and his generous spirit. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marianne Pezzato Potocki in 1986; and a brother in law, James J. Farina. Survivors include his wife of 16 years, Carolyn Farina Potocki; two sons, Ronald J. Potocki, Jr., of North East and Robert J. Potocki, wife Therese, of Parma, Ohio; three daughters, Carol Wilkinson, husband Bryon, Janet Burger, husband Gerald, and Joanne Babay, husband Patrick, all of Erie; two step sons, Gregory Januleski of Dayton, Ohio and Geoffery Januleski, of Huntington Beach, Calif.; A brother in law, Dino Pezzato and his wife Marie of Caledonia, Mich.; and a sister in law, Joya Marino of New Rochelle, N.Y.: 11 grandchildren, Angela, Maria and Ronnie Potocki, III; Nicole and Cara Potocki; Aaron and Jillian Wilkinson, Justin and Eileen Burger; and Sarah and Jenna Babay; two step grandchildren; Carolyn and Joya Januleski; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call Brugger Home for Funerals, 1595 West 38th at Greengarden Blvd, Tuesday 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday, 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and may attend the Mass of Christian Burial Thursday at 10 o’clock at St. George Catholic Church, 5145 Peach Street. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Condolences at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Erie Times-News from Oct. 23 to Oct. 24, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Potocki

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Chastity Lesh

September 1, 2024

I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Was thinking today about how he made me love math. All these yrs later his memory is still alive.

Linda (Adkins) Heil

October 27, 2007

Carol,Ronnie,Bob,Joanne and Janet,

I was sadden to hear about your dad. I can still hear him calling me Linda Pinda. His laughter and smile will never be forgotten.
Love to you all,

Pam Podbielski

October 26, 2007

Carol and family,

I will always remember your father as a kind man who always had time to talk with you. He was a man of direction and gave me much good advice through my teen years. I know he will be sadly missed by all. Please accept my prayers and condolances.

Philip Marnella

October 26, 2007

Ron,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your father was a good man who will be missed by many.

Gwen Cooley

October 26, 2007

Joanne, may God be with you and your family during this time, a year ago Sept. I was sharing in my father's homegoing. May you find peace in knowing that many are praying for you and your family. I remember you father for my son Pierre had him as a teacher at Wayne. Remember"Weeping may endure for a night but joy will come in the morning."

Sha'Shanna Crumpler

October 26, 2007

To the Potocki Family:
You will be in my prayers. Mr P. was a great man. He was a great teacher who made me realize how much I loved math. I can still see him sitting at the overhead projector writing out problems at Wayne. He will be missed by all those whom he has touched over the years.

Paul Kloecker

October 25, 2007

I extend my sincere sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Ron Potocki. As a classmate of Ron in the Prep Class of '53 and also Univ. of Detroit, I share your sorrow and loss.
Paul V. Kloecker
Cathedral Prep
Class of '53
Univ. of Detroit
Class of '58
Gilroy, Calif

Tom and Cathy Allen

October 25, 2007

~ To the Wilkinson Family ~
Carol, Bryon, Aaron, and Jillian ~ We will continue to pray for each of you. Know we feel blessed to call you our FRIENDS!
All our love and concern ~
Tom and Cathy Allen
Ryan, Daniel, and Kevin Fitzpatrick

Debbie Cross O'Neil

October 25, 2007

Janet, Jerry and Family,

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your father Janet. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Unfortunately, you are all to familiar with the grieving process. Your faith in God and the memories of your dad will help to comfort you.

You guys are very special to my family and please know that we are all thinking of you.

God Bless~
Debbie

kiki Delgado

October 25, 2007

Querida Carolyn y familia Potocki
nuestro mas sentido pesame
Ron: me siento muy orgullosa y agradecida que caro haya tenido un abuelo tan maravilloso como tu UNA GRAN PERSONA. Tu siempre vas a estar aqui entre nosotros por que te llevamos en nuestra mente y nuestro corazón te queremos mucho kiki
familia Delgado Rodríguez
Monterrey México

Pete and Merle Donatucci

October 25, 2007

Our deepest sympathy to the family. Ron was a special person in all respects.

Pete and Merle Donatucci

Robyn Perfetto (Mikolajczyk)

October 24, 2007

My deepest sympathy.... You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

Andy Malinowski

October 24, 2007

I only knew MR. Potocki a short time when I worked with him at Wayne School.He had a way about him that made one feel special.My family and I would like to say how sorry we are for your loss.Take Care And GOD BLESS.Andy,Jan,Bob,Joe Malinowski

Diane (Adkins) Tobin

October 24, 2007

Dear Carolyn, Carol, Ron, Bob, Joanne and Janet:
I was deeply saddened to hear of your father's passing. It feels as though a huge chapter of our life has closed. As I read the entries here I realize that I was not alone in remembering your dad as a caring man, always ready with the big bear hug. I will always remember that he took a real interest in me and my education and career. My memories of childhood are filled with him, and your family and our times together. He was a true treasure and we are all lucky to have had him as a part of our lives. God Bless you all.

The Andy's

October 24, 2007

Aaron, remember, we are here for you.

Mark Raymond Chandler (Buczynski)

October 24, 2007

I'm going to miss our running commentaries about our years at St. Anne's and the comical way Ron had in describing the humor in our daily lives - especially in politics. I've lost a great friend and the ties we had with the past. I'll miss his humor and the friendship he shared with me over the years. (I was Raymond Buczynski from St. Anne's God bless and keep Ron in our prayers, Like to hear from our classmates from Erie if you have time. God bless, Ray (MArk)

JOHN TINTI

October 24, 2007

DEAR CAROLYN AND THE POTOCKI FAMILY, OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THE LOSS OF YOU HUSBAND AND DAD. RON'S PERSONALITY MADE ANY ONE THAT KNEW HIM BECAME HIS FRIEND. RON WAS ALWAYS THE LIFE OF PARTY AT ALL THE PREP FOOTBALL REUNIONS. I HAD THE PLEASER OF BEING A GOOD FRIEND OF RON FOR MANY YEARS. MAY YOU ALWAYS CHERISH THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES THAT RON LEFT YOU. MAY GOD BLESS AND WELCOME HIM INTO THE GATE OF HEAVEN. SINCERELY JOHN AND NORMA TINTI. BLUFFTON SOUTH CAROLINA

Jody Irwin

October 24, 2007

My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Potocki family. Mr. Potocki was one of the most influential teachers I've ever had. He not only taught about the subject at hand, but also about life. He has touched a lot of lives and I'm thankful that mine was one of them. May God bless you and comfort you through this sorrowful time.

Janet McLaughlin

October 24, 2007

Joanne, Janet and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Your are in my thoughts and my prayers.

Joyce Brink

October 24, 2007

Ron and Family,
Just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care of yourself.

Carla Jones

October 24, 2007

To the family of Mr. Potocki, He was the best teacher and coach that I ever had. I just saw him a couple of weeks ago and he gave me the biggest hug and smile and we both were happy to see each other. JoAnn, Carol & Janet your dad was a great man. May God Bless you all.

Don Pezzato

October 24, 2007

Carol, Ron, Bob, Joanne & Janet,
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I have some very fond memories of Uncle Ronnie and all of you guys there in Erie when we came to visit in the summers while growing up. Though its been so long since we've seen each other, I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy to all of you.

Evy Grabinski

October 24, 2007

My heart is so heavy as I sign Mr. Potocki's guest book this morning. When I see his picture with that big smile I know how he is so loved by his family & friends. My fondest memories of Mr. Potocki are of his hugs & smiles. He was smiling & grinning at the same time. Other than my Dad, Mr. Potocki had the best 'bear hugs'. I couldn't wait to hear what topic he was going to bring up for discussion! Whatever the topic, I learned so much! Mr. Potocki was not only tall in stature but tall in life & in love. His family was everything to him. He will be sadly missed by many. Through his teaching & guidance, his legacy will live on forever! All my love & support to the family, Evy

joyce mikolajczyk

October 24, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jenn, Julie, Megan & Kate Steff

October 23, 2007

Dear Ron, Bob, Janet and Joann,

Our dad called us from his vacation and let us know about your dad. We all have fond memories of your house as our "last stop" each year on Christmas Day - we all looked forward to spending time with each of you, and your mom and dad.

We are all very sorry for your loss - you are all in our thoughts.

Chris Rodrigues (Class of 81)

October 23, 2007

Ron Jr. & Potocki Family
You have my deepest sympathy. Your Dad was a great guy, one of the best teachers I had at Tech. May God comfort you during this difficult time.

Tracy Bross

October 23, 2007

Joanne,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You and all of your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give all of you strength at this difficult time.

Anna Gehringer

October 23, 2007

Dear Carol,Ron, Bob, Janet and Joann,
I was so sad to hear about you dad. My sister Tessa called me very early today and I could not find any words and I still have a hard time finding them. Your dad always made me laugh especially when I was having a hard time at home. Your parents were the best. You all can be so proud. Time will pass and you will all be ok. Just stick to each other like crazy . You are strong and you had great parents who gave you all the tools you need. Please know you are in my prayers and in my heart for ever. God will take care of you.
Be strong I love you all
Anna

Frank & Connie Minichelli

October 23, 2007

We want to express our sympathy to your entire family.
Reading all the names brought back many pleasant memories for both of us. We will keep Ron and all of you in our prayers.
Peace be with you,
Frank & Connie Minichelli
Melbourne Beach, Fl.

John Michael

October 23, 2007

My deepest sympathy to the Potocki family. "Ronnie", as my Gram called him, was a favorite of hers, and I always enjoyed listening to their hearty laughter as they traded stories of the 'good old days'.

MONICA JONES

October 23, 2007

To the kids and wife of MR.P im very sorry to hear about your lost. He was a great man, that never gave up on anyone.He coach my sister and i for years at Wayne.He always push me to do my best.He will never be forgotten.

Wanda Schmid

October 23, 2007

Dear Ron & family,
We were so sorry to hear about your father. Know that you and yours are in our thoughts at this time
Love, Bill & Wanda Schmid

Heidi Sheehan

October 23, 2007

Carolyn,
You are in my prayers.
Heidi Sheehan

Diane (Paradise) Cottrell

October 23, 2007

Joanne & Pat,
I was sorry to hear of the passing of your father. It is always hard losing a parent. It has been seven years since my Dad has passed. Keep all of your great memories alive in your hearts and minds for yourself and your children. I will pray for you and your family.
May God Bless You!

Gerry & Archie Falcone

October 23, 2007

Dear Carolyn & Family:
So Sorry to hear of Ron's passing.He was a true friend for over 50 years and will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and all the family. Love to all.

Roni Adkins

October 23, 2007

Dear Carolyn, Ron, Carol, Bob, Joanne, Janet and families:

We were so sadden to hear about Ron, what a great person he was. He will be missed by all. Our families have been so connected with so many early and good memories that hard to believe another chapter of our life has ended. So sorry that we cannot be with you at this time. We will keep in touch. A mass will be offered at Holy Redeemer in Kissimmee. We must now believe that Ron is at peace, no more pain, and resting in God's beautiful garden. May Ron rest in peace as he begans the final chapter of his life. We will all miss him.

love always to you,

roni and ed

Kristine (Lombardo) Copeland

October 23, 2007

My deepest sympathy.

Johnny Johnson

October 23, 2007

The Potocki Family,

Ron and I worked together many years at Wayne. He was a Mentor, a loving friend, and an activist for change. He will always have that special place in my heart. May the God of comfort hold you in his hands.

Rick Skonieczka

October 23, 2007

Janet, Jerry, Justin and Eileen
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mariana, Rick , Carly, Jill and Sam

Toni Magnetti Merriam

October 23, 2007

Janet, Joanne, and family,
I am so saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. Take comfort in your memories and knowing he is at peace. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Toni, Mike and Joli Merriam

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