Robert Potvin

Robert J. Potvin, 77

CUMMAQUID/HOLDEN - Robert J. Potvin, 77, of Cummaquid, formerly of Holden, passed away peacefully surrounded by his heartbroken family on Sunday, November 8, 2015. Besides his loving wife of 57 years, Virginia (Penski) Potvin, he leaves his son, Robert J. Potvin Jr. and his wife, Maureen of Sherborn; his daughters, Susan Garvey and her husband, Kevin of Franklin, Karen LeBlanc and her husband, Mark of Holden; his son, Thomas and his wife, Lori of Holden; his adored grandchildren, Jennifer, Kelly, Robert J. III and Christopher Potvin, Brian and Meagan Garvey, Michael, Matthew, Katherine and Julie LeBlanc, and Abigail, Elizabeth, Lauren and Catherine Potvin; his brothers, Paul Potvin and his wife, Mary Lou of Brandon VT, George Potvin and his wife, Dominica of Sturbridge; his sisters, Anne McIntosh of Charlton and Catherine and her husband, Glenn Wilbur of Charlton; his aunt, Virginia Manganelli of Brewster; his sisters-in-law, Bernice Potvin of Houston, TX and Dorothy Potvin of Mission Viejo, CA; and many devoted nieces, nephews and cousins. Bob was predeceased by his brothers, Dr. Louis E. Potvin, Rev. Thomas R. Potvin, and Attorney D. Joseph Potvin; and his brother-in-law, Dr. Robert McIntosh.

Bob was born in Worcester, son of Edgar and Germaine (Hamel) Potvin. He graduated from Assumption Prep in Worcester where he was a three-letter athlete. He attended Norwich University on a basketball scholarship where he was co-captain of the team with his good friend, Dan Sweeney. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. He was stationed in Fort Knox, KY where he was athletic officer and company commander. After he was honorably discharged a Captain, he remained in the Army Reserves for nine years.

He returned to Worcester where he joined his father in the family business, Worcester Chemical. In 1985, he formed R J Potvin Company with his son, Thomas and moved to the Cape in 1993. He belonged to many business and civic organizations, including Worcester Executives, The Exchange Club, the Harmony Club and New England Chemical Club.

In his retirement, he and Ginny enjoyed sailing, golfing and traveling. They were members of Cummaquid Golf Club. While they traveled to many countries and Amelia Island, FL, they always loved returning to beautiful Cape Cod. His greatest joy was being in the presence of his adored grandchildren; he was their Pepe and loved each and every one so much. They were his greatest blessing.

Bob was blessed with many loyal and faithful friends who supported him greatly through out his battle with pancreatic cancer. Most of all, the family will be forever grateful to the brilliant, compassionate and dedicated doctors and staff at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, most importantly his oncologists, Dr. Douglas Robinson, Dr. James Cleary, Dr. Jeffery Meyerhart and his surgeon, Dr. Richard Swanson. They were the best in the world and Bob grew to love them. In addition, the family is also grateful to his primary care physician, Dr. Albert Barrows, dear friend, Dr. John Sheehan and Hope Hospice of Cape Cod.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob's family on Wednesday, November 11, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. His funeral will be held on Friday, November 13, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. in Saint Pius Church, 5 Barbara Street, South Yarmouth. Burial with military honors in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to DFCI Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinic, c/o Dr. Douglas Robinson, Dana 1210-K, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215. To share a memory or leave an online condolence for the family, please visit

www.milesfuneralhome.com