Dan Potter

Daniel Potter, 78, of Kingston, NY, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, December 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He is survived by his wife Cheryl of 38 years; his children Kyle Potter (Melissa), Bentley Potter, Spencer Potter (Nicole), Lisa Corey (Chris) and Michael Curtis. He was the beloved grandfather to his four grandchildren; Cameron and Landon Potter, Alexandra and Colton Corey. Dan is also survived by his sister Nancy Leibowitz (Marty) and brother James Potter, brother-in-law John Guercio (Jeanine Bendicksen), sister in laws, Denise Erdman (William), Sandra Juarez (Jon) and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Basil H. “Bud” and Audrey Potter and his best friend, Dave Blakely. 

Dan was born on October 24, 1946, grew up in Port Ewen, NY and was a 1964 graduate of Kingston High School. He loved the sport of basketball and played competitively at the YMCA for Jack’s Barber Shop. Immediately after high school, Dan entered the family business, Potter Bros. Sporting Goods which was located on Fair St. in Kingston. Dan loved working for his father (Bud) and Uncle (Jack) and later took over the family business partnering with his cousin John. 

Dan “was” Potter Bros. and was considered a ski industry icon. His nearly 60 years of work at Potter Bros. Ski Shops paved the way for expansion and future generations to continue the business with multiple stores in NY, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont. It was the relationships he forged in the business with customers, staff and ski industry professionals that Dan cherished the most. He was a mentor to many.

Dan was an active member of the YMCA, where he was recently recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award. An avid golfer, Dan was a member of the Wiltwyck Golf Club for more than 60 years. He led his life with an unparalleled level of kindness that brought all of his different groups together. From his golf cronies, to his Vegas vacation pals, to his beloved YMCA family, Dan was at the center of it all. In addition to his close relationship with friends, Dan was a generous man who humbly gave back to his community whenever there was a need. 

Dan’s greatest achievement was his immense love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends. His greatest memories was spending time with them all. 

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to his Hudson Valley Hospice team Toni, Kevin, Trish and Denise. A special thank you to Julie Prusack for her loving care and support.

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401, where friends and family may visit on Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 11am to 3pm with the funeral service taking place at 3pm. 

For those who wish, contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the YMCA Dan Potter Scholarship Fund, checks made payable to: YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County, 507 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401 (Memo: Dan Potter Scholarship Fund) or Spring Lake Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 3578, Kingston, NY 12401. A tribute for Dan can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for his family.