ERIC CHRISTOPHER POTO

Mr. Poto - what a nice guy and caring teacher to my daughter in 4th grade at Balls Bluff. In fact he was her teacher on 9/11/2001. Well Eric, she graduated from Christopher Newport University this past year with your help (and a lot of other fine teachers along the way) but you always went a little more out of your way to show you cared - whether it was attending a yard sale to raise money for a cause or attending one of her soccer games. Of course my wife's pies as payback never hurt either. He even met us up at Woodmans on our last trip to Essex. A good man. She has talked about continuing on to her Masters (possibly in teaching) and I can't help but think you may have had a little to do with that. The good really do die way too young. Thank you sir for all your help, and go BOSOX!

I was so sorry to hear of Eric's passing. Eric, Cathy and I worked together as the fourth grade team at Balls Bluff Elementary during his first few years in Virginia. Nearly twenty years, five schools, and two states later, those are still my favorite years. His love of students, teaching, and life will be sorely missed. Some of my favorite memories were the time we introduced him to a true southern breakfast and when I had to sneak into his classroom to let him know that the Battle of Yorktown was in Virginia, not New York. Honest mistake for a true-blooded Bostonian! Happy birthday, my friend. You will be truly missed. May you rest in peace.

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Poto was my fourth grade teacher at Ball's Bluff Elementary School from 1999 to 2000. It's been 14 years since I last spoke to him but he continues to hold a special place in my heart. He was one of the most dedicated teachers I have ever known and it breaks my heart to know that the world has lost such an incredible human being. He will always live on in our memories and prayers. Rest in peace, Mr. Poto. Popcorn and game shows will never be the same again.


Cairo, Egypt

I am so sorry for your loss. Eric and I started our teaching careers together and we roomed together for 8 yrs. He was like a brother to me during the time he was in Virginia. The impact Eric had on the lives of his students cannot be measured. He was a dedicated teacher and really inspired the kids he taught. He also spent countless hours outside of the classroom supporting his students by attending their games and organizing hockey and basketball games on the weekends. He was a minor celebrity in Leesburg where he taught and could be seen with kids following him around the aisles at the grocery store. As a friend he was loyal, trustworthy and just fun to be around. If you needed help Eric would be there without question. He had a great sense of humor and a fun competitive nature. You could always count on Eric to come up with some type of game to compete in no matter where we were. He talked trash with the best of them, but in such a friendly way that you couldn't help but laugh. He loved his family and loved his city, and that's what brought him back home to Massachusetts. Eric meant a lot to many people. He was a good man and a great friend. He will be truly missed but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

I worked with Eric for quite a few years at the Maddy English School. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a very nice man and always worked hard for his students. I enjoyed our music talks over the years. He will be greatly missed! My condolences for your loss.

My deepest sympathy to Eric's family. I worked with Eric at Ball's Bluff when he was a new teacher. I remember him as being so dedicated to teaching and working to get the best from all his students. He was a wonderful person and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

I taught with Eric at Catoctin Elem. I am so very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

I am so sorry for your loss. Eric was a colleague and friend of mine at the Madeline English school. My prayers are with his family. He will be missed.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Remembering Eric fondly during his tenure as a teacher at the Madeline English School. He was always so soft spoken and gentle. He had a genuine concern for the students and their well being. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort in cherished memories.

I am so saddened to learn of Eric's passing. I hired Eric to teach in Loudoun County Public Schools on the spot after interviewing him in Boston. He was an exemplary employee. May precious memories of Eric sustain you through, these, your hours of bereavement. He was a great man. Matthew D. Britt, IV, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Services, Retired.

My heart aches to hear of Eric's passing. He was a dear friend and not a week went by that we didn't talk. My family and I always enjoyed our summer visits. He was a gracious host. I loved Eric and I will miss him so much. My condolences to the family. May you find peace in the memories you share.

Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of a wonderful son, brother, uncle, teacher,friend, and person. He has always been remembered at the Bluff.
Harry and Catherine Delaney

I am sorry for your loss. I worked with Eric while he was in the Loudoun County Public School System. He was a wonderful young man!
Rosalind Chapman

Mr & Mrs. Poto and family. I am so soory and saddened to hear of Eric's passing. He was such a kind and gentle person. You all made me feel so welcome at your July 4th gatherings. He was so proud of his family. Rest in peace Eric

We are so sorry about your loss. Eric was an amazing man and will so missed - I will always remember the fun we had spending the time with all of you in Boston - wonderful memories.

Love, Samantha (Blodgett) Hawa & Jake

Dear Marie and Tony

Eric was a wonderful son, brother and cousin and know that you are in our hearts and prayers at this most difficult time of your lives. Eric was a beautiful person and had a joy and love of life that surrounded him and all who knew him and may you find peace and comfort knowing that.

Love Frank and Judy

I am so sorry to hear about Eric. He was a fine teacher and a great person who loved his family. My thoughts and prayers are with the Poto family.

You will always be in our hearts, in our heads, you sweet, wonderful, loving, and caring cousin….We miss you more than words can say!!!
Tom and Stephanie

My prayers are with Eric's family he was so proud of all of you but I heard often about his nephews and nieces. He will be missed in room 103 the room across the hall from me.May the God of hope give you peace.

I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Poto. I work in the cafeteria in the Everett schools and always talked with him. He truly was a really nice man and I always enjoyed our conversations. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Eric was a warm and caring young man. He was a pleasure to work with as he always had a pleasant smile or positive word. He will be sorely missed by the faculty and students of the Everett Schools.