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Joseph Potenza Obituary
Joseph was a Burbankian most of his life, attended St. Finbar School, and graduated from Bell-Jeff High School in 1966.
Joseph's love for Burbank was evident in his work and volunteer activities. He dedicated many years to Burbank Community Hospital and the Jewish Home For the Aging, serving his community with pride. Even in retirement, he continued to give back, finding joy in volunteering at the Christ Lutheran Church in Burbank and inspiring others through his Bible Studies.
Having suffered from Dyslexia and many health issues as a child, that didn't stop him as Joe was determined. He became an avid reader. He also had a great passion for writing and often wrote in his free time.
Joe was the life of the party, the voice one needed to talk to or the laugh just one phone call away. You might have known Joe and been touched by him personally, or you could have seen him walking around the city of Burbank since he never got a driver's license. He has touched others and will always be remembered for his sense of humor and great talks. Everyone would remember Joe.
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Joseph Miranda
May 10, 2024
I first met Joe Potenza when we were both working at Burbank Community Hospital. He would hold court in the hospital cafeteria, pontificating on the issues great and small of the day. You could tell from the get-go that Joe was someone who could bring considerable depth to any conversation. He was well versed in philosophy, history and politics and got you to see the bigger picture to any issue. And his domicile was like a museum, with great books, statues and historical photographs.
In the year following, we participated in many adventures together, expeditions to university book stores (this was before you could buy every book in the world online!) to art house theaters where we saw movies such as The Godfather.
One point he made was that rather than complaining about current events, learn lessons from them. And then apply them in your own actions.
Joe inspired me in many of my works, whether in the military, as a political organizer, and an author and lecturer. His life shows how you can make a big impact on the world by understanding the ideas behind the scenes.
Caroline Miranda
May 3, 2024
Philosopher, theologian, political and social analyst, historian and Biblical authority, confidante for personal issues, loyal friend...Joe was all of these, grounded by his faith in God and Jesus. Without a formal higher education, he outran and outshined many of today's so-called intellectuals. With his massive reading and uncanny ability to remember and synthesize information and religious, philosophical, literary and social ideas, he could go from deep seriousness to hysterically funny one-liner zingers bout the madness of today's world in the same conversation.
In an age of people living in a Twilight Zone-like, suspended animation state lived through technology and social media, Joe broke out as an old school, dedicated, devoted, solid friend that one could turn to any time of day or night. From his room and home, Joe had a phone ministry of hope for all of us lucky enough to be in the orbit of his friendship, and one who could address any problem with the hope and truth of Scripture, and knowledge of the love and presence of God.
From my first meeting as a teenager with Joe as a friend of my brother and as a co-worker at Burbank Community Hospital across from Bellarmine Jefferson high school, I knew I found a special soul. His positive, upbeat attitude and ability to make us see the co-existence of the spiritual and physical dimensions of existence, were unlike anything I have ever experienced. His wit, on-target humorous arrows aimed at political and social absurdities and at pompous church and political figures of our day, still make me smile and reverberate with their truth.
From the hospital work onward in my life, Joe's dear friendship with my brother and me gave me fresh perspectives and helped solidify my own wavering faith. He knew the truth of the Bible, and in an age of reticence about proclaiming Christianity, even in the church world, he was unafraid to state simply and plainly that Jesus is in charge and would bring justice and peace, and there is no need to worry. His calm, focused demeanor always settled my generally panicky self.
Through the years, no social gathering I hosted could succeed without the wit, bright commentary and keen presence of Joe. He took interest in everyone and deftly transitioned from objective observer of events and people to the one who cared about his connections to people. Over the decades, the loss of my parents, and heartbreaks and upheavals, Joe always provided encouragement and a viewpoint that found a much needed ray of light to break through the darkness of any grim situation. He encouraged my spiritual writings (including of my own near-death experiences that convinced me of a transcendent loving God and His son Jesus). Joe turned out to be quite a writer himself, with the publication of his spiritual book on a par with great philosophers of the past.
Joe had an amazing ability to make you see the spiritual, and in a society (including much of the religious world) that has lost its Judeo-Christian moorings, he helped us bypass the physical dimension and enter the dimension of God. On a telephone from his room, where you could chat with him about anything, especially the political insanity that occupies so much of our world, he could make you laugh with his insightful, intellectual humor based on his deep knowledge of us fallen humans, including himself. On religious matters, he eschewed emoting for simple logic. Pointing to Biblical truth and its "living words," he had an astonishing ministry without even realizing it.
Both the high school he attended and the Burbank hospital he toiled at are gone, but Joe lives on in eternity, where we hope he enjoys the presence of the saints who went before him. I pray that when I die, he will welcome me as another spirit with whom I can share eternity praising God. Joe, I expect you to break free of your chats with the great thinkers who preceded us into eternity and greet me when my time comes. When I hear a lot of convivial laughter, I will know I'm in your vicinity of heaven! Requiescat In Pace.
Teresa Bartko
April 30, 2024
Joseph was a dear and faithful friend. We met in 1990 when I moved to Burbank and took a job at Burbank Community Hospital. Not really knowing anyone, Joseph's friendship was a gift. We spent many hours in conversation, especially regarding Jesus Christ. Joseph was the person who led me to Christ and I am forever grateful. There are many things that I love and admire about Joseph but most of all was his love for Christ. His heart was pure and full of love and I was blessed to share time with him. He always said to me he believed Christ brought us together. I envision Joseph meeting Christ and being full of joy when he heard the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" It is truly an adjustment being in this world without my friend and Christian mentor, as Joseph's friendship was life altering for me. Whenever we would depart each other's company we would tell each other that we loved each other. I love you Joseph...have a beautiful eternity.
Diane Bourdeau
April 25, 2024
Joe, was wonderful! I am sorry to hear of his passing. I miss the whole family.
Love,
Diane
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Nanci Chulack
April 22, 2024
A Memorial for Joseph will be given on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 11:30AM at Christ Lutheran Church in Burbank after the regular church service. Refreshments will follow. Address: 2400 W Burbank Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
Scott Lasky
April 22, 2024
Joe, You were a blessing to me; a brother in Christ. You were a genuine friend; moreover one of those very rare ones who I would count among my greatest friends. You will be sorely missed. - Scott Lasky
Hannah Chulack
April 19, 2024
Uncle Joe always made me smile whenever I was having a hard day, I´d talk to him and he´d talk about a bible verse. He always had God speak through him to inspire.
I will always cherish the memories we´ve had since my childhood to the messages you left for me on my phone. You truly have touched so many. We miss you. So much
Nanci Chulack
April 19, 2024
Joe since you were over 14 years older than me, you always seemed like an adult to me. You were always the older brother. As the years went by and I met my future husband, Kelly, we got closer and you ended up being a groomsman in our wedding. We talked to you so often as the years past, we watched over you. We miss you so much and only wish we could pick up the phone and call you. We love you and know you are talking to Moses about past events!
Michael Morrison
April 18, 2024
Going to Potenza Family parties on Chandler Blvd. in the 1970s and 1980s, it was always a treat to see Joe join the party, and immediately he would become the center of attention. He was a very nice guy and I can't ever remember a bad word coming out of his mouth.
christina trinh
April 18, 2024
You will be missed thank you for everything
The trinh family
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