Richard J. Potter

Richard J. Potter 83, of LeRaysville, Pa., passed away Friday, Aug. 21, 2009 at the Skilled Nursing Unit of Memorial Hospital, N. Towanda Twp., Pa.

Richard was born in Towanda, Pa., on April 24, 1926, the son of the late Francis Potter and Ruth Hunsinger Potter. He attended Towanda High School and subsequently served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Missouri during World War II. Following completion of his military service, Richard was employed by the Lehigh Valley Railroad in Sayre. He was later employed by the Ingersoll-Rand in Athens, Pa. for 44 years until his retirement and also worked part-time for Fairchild Hardware and Propane in Towanda.

Richard will be remembered by his family and many friends for his ability to fix and repair almost anything. He was a gifted gunsmith, enjoyed helping others, repairing watches and small engines. Richard was a member of the Orwell Bible Church and was a dedicated member and director of the Eastern Bradford Rod & Gun Club. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, waterskiing and teaching others to water ski.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances Brown Potter, at home, whom he married on June 21, 1946 in the North Towanda Methodist Church; his children, Claudia M. LaBarre and her husband David LaBarre of Rome RR2, Pa., Richard C. Potter and his wife Marilynn Potter of LeRaysville, Pa., Carol D. Chaffee and her husband Barry Chaffee of Rome RR3, Pa., Karen P. Evans and her husband Bart Evans of Rome, Pa., Julia M. Potter of LeRaysville, Pa., Cindi R. Mize of LeRaysville, Pa., Keith R. Potter and his wife Tammy Potter of Wisconsin; 19 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; sisters: Joyce Kelley of Towanda, Pa., Shirley Smith of Sayre, Pa.; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Potter, a sister, Mary Beth Potter and son-in-law, Randy Mize.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at the Orwell Bible Church, Orwell, Pa., with Pastor Richard Vieldhouse officiating.

Interment will be private in the Jillson Cemetery, Orwell Twp., Pa.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be directed to the Orwell Bible Church, RR1 Box 142 A., Rome, PA 18837, in Richard J. Potter's memory.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda, Pa. There are no calling hours.