F. Harold Pottinger

LOUISVILLE - F. Harold Pottinger, a Chartered Life Underwriter of Louisville, KY, passed away at his home of 60 years Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at the age of 89, surrounded by his loving family. Harold was born in Howardstown, KY, one of 14 children. He was raised in Knob Creek and New Haven, KY. He was a World War II veteran. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy where he spent three years aboard the USS Calvert. Harold participated in 5 Pacific Island invasions in route to Japan, and was part of the initial U. S. Military to enter Hiroshima after the dropping of the atomic bomb. The USS Calvert and crew later entered other Japanese cities, including Tokyo. His recall and story while aboard the USS Calvert war ship was forever memorialized, which was later displayed at the 2010 Frazier History Museum in Louisville, KY. A story where an inexperienced 17 year old enlisted young man became a Yeoman for the ship's Captain while navigating the Pacific Ocean. He was honorably discharged as a Yeoman Second Class. For many years after his service aboard the USS Calvert, APA 32, the crew met annually for reunions taking them again to many interesting places across the country. After his Naval service Harold received his high school diploma from St. Xavier High School. He attended the University of Louisville, and graduated from the Life Insurance Marketing Institute at Purdue University, and was awarded the designation of Chartered Life Underwriter. His offices were located in the Starks Building in downtown Louisville where he operated his business for over 50 years. Harold was a charter member of St. Pius X. He was a past member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Louisville Association of Chartered Life Underwriters, the American Legion, the Louisville Association of Financial Advisors, the Bonnycastle Social Club, Woodhaven Country Club and the German American Club. He enjoyed being a member of the Robin's Roost Roller Skating Club. He was a member of the Elks Club for over 40 years, and was awarded an honorary life time member. Harold was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He had a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh. He loved telling stories to his grandkids, nieces, nephews, and all the kids that grew up in the neighborhood. Most of all, he was a man of faith who loved his family and friends and had a gentle heart for children, especially those with special needs. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clara and Raffo Pottinger, his sisters, Mary and Pat, and brother, Sam. He is survived by his wife of 66 loving years, Mary Kay Pottinger (Connell); his 5 children, Michael Pottinger, Stephen Pottinger, Kay Pottinger Pfeiffer (Michael), David Pottinger (Starr), and William Pottinger (Cindy); his 11 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his 7 siblings, Joe Pottinger (Florence), Evelyn Lawson, Sylvia Slater, Jane Gambert, Mike Pottinger (Elizabeth), Jimmy Pottinger (Helen), and Doris Wise; as well as many very close cousins, nieces and nephews. The family is forever moved by the love and support given to Harold, especially his caregiver, Frankie, along with our friends at Senior Helpers and Hosparus. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30am Saturday, December 13, 2014 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3521 Goldsmith Lane, with burial services to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-8pm Friday, December 12 at Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home, 3800 Bardstown Road. Online condolences may be directed to www.ratterman.com.