Peter John Potorti

1919 - 2017

Potorti, Peter John

Peter John Potorti, 97, of 205 Washington Street, entered into rest on February 12, 2017 of natural causes. He had been a resident of Ithaca, Tompkins County, NY. Peter was born Nov. 20, 1919, in White Plains, NY, a son of the late William and Jenny Franco Potorti. He was united in marriage on July 3, 1948, in Ithaca, NY to the former Olga Ann Saccucci, who survives.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marines on June 12, 1942, with the special military qualification of Radio Chief, and was honorably discharged on November 7, 1945. Among his military honors, he received an Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with four bronze stars, a Presidential Unit Commendation Medal with one bronze star, an American Campaign Medal, and a World War II Victory Medal. He received a degree from Cornell University and was employed by the National Cash Register company in Ithaca for three decades.

In his youth, he was a football letterman at White Plains High School. After fathering three sons, he served with his wife as a Cub Scout leader and Bible study teacher. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the International Brotherhood of Machinists, and was active in the local Knights of Columbus, serving in many roles including Grant Knight. He was married at Immaculate Conception Church, where he remained a member until his death.

Peter was an avid gardener and was active in the Tompkins County Men's Garden Club. In his retirement he spent many contented hours cooking and traveling, and was a devoted and supportive grandparent, father and husband.

Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, William R. Potorti and his spouse Karen Potorti of Berthoud, CO and David P. Potorti of Cary, NC. He is survived by two grandchildren, Zane A. Potorti and Isabella J. Potorti of Cary, N.C., daughter-in-law Nikki Stern of Princeton, NJ, and numerous nieces and nephews in Ithaca and beyond.

He was preceded in death by his son, James Edward Potorti of Princeton, NJ, brothers Dominic Potorti of White Plains, NY and Albert Potorti of Reedsville, PA, sisters Frances Janero and Vera Potorti of White Plains, NY, and Mary DeVito of Valhalla, NY.

A life celebration service will be held on Saturday, February 25 (time TBD) at Immaculate Conception Church, 113 N Geneva St, Ithaca, NY 14850, with (name and title), officiating, followed by a reception on site. Burial will follow in the spring. Arrangements by Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W Green St, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850, (607) 272-1922.