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Peter Potenza Obituary
SYRACUSE - Peter Frank Potenza Sr., 81, passed away Saturday, August 14th at the VA Hospital in Syracuse, NY after a brief illness. He is survived by his two sons, Dana Potenza of Ithaca, NY and Peter Potenza Jr. of Lansing, NY He was a stepfather to (late) Thomas Answeeney, (Winnie) of Eden, NY and Susan Benjamin (Alan) of Cape Cod, MA. Husband of Mickey Potenza. He is also survived by sisters, Connie Phillips, (Stan) of Akron, NY and Betty Mesches, (Dave), of New Paltz, NY. Predeceased by sister Rae Bavisotto of Buffalo, NY. Grandfather of Meghan Fox-Potenza of Greenville, South Carolina; Gavin Potenza of Portland, Oregon; Zoe Haggerty of New York, NY and Milan, Italy. Also grandfather to Jennifer Renzetti, Thomas Answeeney Jr., Kitty Naedele, Shawn Answeeney, and Daniel Answeeney all of Eden, NY. Peter is also survived by many loving great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Peter was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and graduated from Amherst High School in 1946. In 1949, he was in the first graduating class of Dispensing Opticians at Erie County Technical Institute. He worked as an optician until he joined the Marines in 1951. He was part of the US Marine Corps (VMF 441) where he worked as an air traffic controller until 1953. After he resumed work as an optician; first in Buffalo, then Olean, Syracuse and finally in Ithaca, NY. In 1967 he opened his own practice, Peter Potenza Opticians, and remained in business for more than 30 years. Peter's work as an optician, inspired four generations of family members to also become opticians.
The service will take place at Immaculate Conception Church at 11:00am on Wednesday, August 18th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veteran Hospital of Syracuse, N.Y. Bangs Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Sarah
November 29, 2010
I have many fond memories of Pete from my Ithaca College days. I know he will be missed by many.
Bird McGruder
September 12, 2010
Pete I just found out yesterday you were gone.You were one of the greatest persons I met you have passed this on to your wonderful family. I felt very sad then I remember our conversations, sharing snacks at your favorite places.how we made each other laugh. You will always have a special place in my heart. My condolences to the family.
Shari Johnson
August 24, 2010
My son and i met Pet a couple of years ago in Ithica. He was the sweetest Soul i have ever met. We were from Texas visiting the college there. He made us feel so at home in that town. I am so honored to have been friends with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
meryl young
August 23, 2010
Peter was a lovely man. We will all miss him so much. Condolences to all his friends and family.
Lisa Sundquist
August 21, 2010
So sorry to hear of your loss. He always seemed like such a sensible, genuine, hard-working person. May God comfort and bless your family.
Nick Nebelsky
August 20, 2010
Dana and family,
I was saddened when I heard of your dad's passing today (Friday). Peter was a great man with a wonderful personality! I know he will be missed by the community for his many years of service. The "shop" won't be the same without Pete's face! Dana, I know you loved your dad so much and I know this is particularly hard on you. He was more than your dad, he was your best friend. I will call you soon.
Anne Maroney
August 18, 2010
Pete was one of a kind and will be dearly missed. I consider it an honor to have known him. My thoughts & prayers to his family. xxoo
August 18, 2010
Our sincere condolences. It was always a pleasure to see Pete. He was always upbeat and it was a pleasure to be in his company. We will miss him greatly.
Neil and Janine Massa
Richard Urda
August 18, 2010
I just returned to my office from attending the funeral and write to thank everyone who spoke, and for the service itself. It was a wonderful tribute to a "one of a kind" friend. The words spoken truly reflected the man I knew as "Pete". I was always glad to have a conversation with Pete if I saw him while out during an evening. Those conversations were always enjoyable and meaningful...and will be missed. I truly appreciate the friendship he bestowed upon me.
Kevin & Karen Freund
August 18, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Stephen Cobb
August 17, 2010
I first meet Pete 40 years ago in 1969. He was as one of the nicest, friendliest, and reliable person I ever had the pleasure to know while living in Ithaca.
We loved to talk about spiritual things, religions, and where we would eventually end up. We talked for hours about the Gospel of Christ, the Bible, and the love Jesus has for us.
I will miss my friend Pete—and look forward to seeing him again in Heaven.
Shirley & Jim Herson
August 17, 2010
We shall always remember Pete. He did our glasses for many years. He also did my mother's in Olean, and also here when she moved to Ithaca. She just adored Pete, as did we. Our deepest sympathy to the family. Pete was a wonderful man. He will be missed.
Cynthia
August 17, 2010
I'm going to miss chatting with Pete at Max's. He had a lovely sense of humor and a devilish twinkle in his eye.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Amie Roe-Weaver
August 17, 2010
I will cherish and love him forever. It is with a heavy heart and many tears ,I say goodbye to a true friend. I love you pete! - Amie
Jeff & Diane Sweet
August 17, 2010
It is with great saddness that we send the family of Pete our dearest sympathy. We shall always cherish the many memories of Pete and his visit to the Elk's. His smile will truely be missed. RIP dear friend.
Keith/Theresa Armstrong
August 17, 2010
Dana, Mickey & JR,
It is with great sadness in our hearts as we drop you this line today. Please know that we are thinking about you.
Frank Scaglione
August 17, 2010
Pete always went the Extra Mile for me, I respected and enjoyed his friendship for years
in Ithaca, My sympathy to his family in this time of sorrow..
August 17, 2010
A pleasure to encounter on any day... a young soul who did not suffer fools! I am glad to have known him.
Elaina
August 17, 2010
To My Forever Friend, Peter, and fellow Sagittarian, Thank You...for all the good times, great memories, all the laughs, and all the crazy road trips...Much Love & Many Meows...I know I will be hearing from you soon!!!
Rocco Petrilli
August 16, 2010
Pete De Po. A wonderful friend and a wonderful man. You helped make my days in Ithaca special.
When you see Joe, Giuliann and Ant, tell them that I love them...and you too Pete.
Thanks for all the laughs.
Beth Pallace
August 16, 2010
Perhaps the funniest guy I knew, Pete always made people laugh. His death is not to be mourned, instead celebrate the life he led. I am a better person for knowing you, Pete. Thank you for many afternoons and meals filled with humor. Sambuca on the rocks to you Pete!
Many thanks for sharing your life with all of us.
Michael Pichel
August 16, 2010
My sincere sympathy to the family of Peter Potenza Sr,
Nancy McFall
August 16, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
annie cummings
August 16, 2010
everyone loved pete. i know i did. we had goodtimes hanging out together. my heart breaks with his passing. my deepest condolences to the potenza family.
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