Randall Michael Potter

Randall "Randy" Potter
May 2, 1950 - November 27, 2024
It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Randall "Randy" Potter, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, retired professor, aspiring blues musician and friend. Randy left us peacefully on November 27 at the age of 74, following a brief and courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Flint, Michigan to R.N. and Helen Potter, he married Jeanne Slattery, on the campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1980. Professionally, Randy was a Professor of Psychology at Clarion University (PennWest Clarion) from 1981-2021, serving as Chair of the Psychology Department for 18 years, loving teaching and his students. He was quick to say that he was "not that kind of psychologist," having studied Abert squirrels in graduate school. Randy played many other roles, as an avid hobbyist.
Randy was the epitome of a good husband and father. He was a caretaker, but provided freedom. His marriage was built on mutual respect, shared joy, and unwavering support. Together, Randy and Jeanne created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and thought-provoking discussion.
As a father, Randy was "the finest kind"... or "fine as frog's hair, but twice as rare," as he would say. If his daughters didn't know how to do something, they turned to him. If they needed advice, they turned to him. If they needed something to be done, they turned to him.
Randy's presence was a constant source of security to his entire family. He loved his daughters and son and wanted to see each of them grow into their best selves.
Though Randy was not one to seek the spotlight, often waiting at the back of the line at a family meal until everyone else made their plates, his quiet strength and character shone brightly in everything he did. He'd be embarrassed to hear himself referred to as "magnetic," but he was. He lived a life full of curiosity for all things around him. He juggled several hobbies at once with "juggling," itself, being a brief interest.
His interests included, and were not at all limited to: flying, sailing, motorcycling, restoring antique cars, long distance bicycling, playing and building musical instruments, unicycling, gardening, raising chickens before doing so was trendy, keeping a jade plant alive since the 1970s, and closing all of the rings on his Apple Watch. He enjoyed reading interesting obituaries, so this is the least we can offer him. He actually enjoyed politics. Randy was someone who consumed politics across the spectrum and wanted to understand all perspectives. He was always Googling things he didn't have an answer to, and would say he knew "a little bit about a lot."
He was quick witted, with a dry humor and the ability to deliver a joke with a poker face in a way few are able.
Randy's legacy is not only in the lives he touched directly, but also in the ripple effect he spread. A staple of the community, Randy was seen throughout Clarion his entire adult life. Running. Biking. Walking the dogs. Walking with the kids to school or Jeanne to campus.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents, R.N. and Helen, his sister, Jackie, and his first wife, Janice Hartsoe. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jeanne Slattery; son, Christopher Potter; two daughters, Allison (Josh) Howell and Rebecca (Robert) Stoughton; grandchildren, Xavier, RJ, Kelsey, Monte, and Madeline; niece and godchild, Shana Kramer; along with cherished extended family.
Randy leaves behind two dogs, Joe (Jonah) and Evi (Evgenilamalu). He also fed the squirrels, birds, and deers that came to visit.
Randy faced his illness with the same grit and strength that characterized his entire life. A burial is planned at Penn Forest Natural Burial Park in Verona, PA on Saturday, December 7 at 11:00am, with storytelling and a celebration of life to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the Randall Potter Psychology Scholarship at PennWest University.
Randy will be missed beyond measure. Our world has changed and we will carry on in his honor and his memory. Luckily, we have been blessed with an abundance of memories and reason to celebrate a life lived well by THE Randy Potter. The luckier you are, the harder the loss.
Rest in peace, Randy (dad). You made the world a weirder, and better, place.
Professional services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., Lawrenceville. www.dalessandroltd.com.