Melvin Potash Obituary

KINGSTON — Melvin Potash, 85, of Kingston, died Sunday morning, March 6, 2016, at Celtic Hospice Inpatient Unit at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre.

Born in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late William and Jean (Bershinsky) Potash and was a graduate of Brooklyn Tech High School and attended CCNY. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict as a Sergeant and was an instructor in Artillery Survey Procedure. He was an avid golfer, an amateur magician and enjoyed playing Gin.

Mel was vice president of Carter Footwear, was a member of Temple B'nai Brith, Kingston, where he served on the Board of Trustees; was a member of the Jewish War Veterans, the Jewish Community Center, Fox Hill Country Club and other civic and religious organizations.

He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by his wife of almost 50 years, the former Mildred "Millie" Osipowitz Potash.

He is survived by three sons, Lyle Potash and his wife, Linda, Remsenburg, New York; Dr. David Potash, Plains Township, and Gregg Potash, Cherry Hill, New Jersey; granddaughter, Emily Potash; sister, Marcia Shabell, Rhode Island; nieces and nephews.

Family wishes to thank Dr. Richard Blum, Erwine Home Health Service, and Jeanine Messenger for their outstanding care and devotion from the past few years.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at the Rosenberg Funeral Chapel Inc., 348 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre, with Rabbi Roger Lerner officiating. Interment will follow in Temple B'nai Brith Cemetery, Hanover Township. Shiva will be observed 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, 2016, 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at The Woodlands Inn and Resort.

Memorial contributions, may be made to Temple B'nai Brith, 408 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, PA 18704, or donors choice.

For additional information, visit www.rosenbergfuneralchapel.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Leader from Mar. 6 to Mar. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Melvin Potash

5 Entries

Helen Friedman

March 1, 2020

My Uncle Mel is written in my calendar (my book of life) each year on his birthday and date of death. I think of him fondly and miss him--not just on those days. He was an amazing man! I feel so lucky to have had some time with him during his last months. ❤

Marlene` Lukacinsky

March 11, 2016

As long as the memories remain, they will inspire new life. I hope that time will heal your grief and help you to accept the sad passing of your father, Melvin, as a step on a journey that never ends.
'Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o'er wrought heart and bids it break.' From Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Helen Friedman

March 8, 2016

I adored my Uncle Mel. I had the most amazing conversations with him. He was a keen observer of human nature and a great source of family information. He had a lot of spunk and told it like it is. He was extremely bright and his many talents (including his sense of aesthetics) never ceased to amaze me. I miss him already!

Beth Karnofsky Lechette

March 7, 2016

Sincere condolences to the Potash's on the passing of such a great husband, father, grandfather and friend. Dad and Mom, as they insisted we call them, were so loving and kind to us and I am forever grateful. Dad was the best-of-the-best and will never be forgotten by all those who knew and loved him. I will always smile thinking of how many times I made him tell me the shoe convention story of meeting Mom for dinner. He always told the story with such great pride, as it seemed he did of all stories of family.

I hope Sammy always remembers all the great times and you always telling her how beautiful you thought she was. So many great memories to thank all of the Potash family for!

Love you forever Mel "Dad" Potash. Hope you and Mom are smiling down on all those you love,

Beth, Samantha and family

Brian Fendler

March 6, 2016

I was saddened today to learn of Mel's passing. He always treated my family like his own. Mel was also always such a great friend and companion to my late Grandmother, Shelia, and I always wondered how the two could spend so much time at Mohegan Sun without either running out of either energy, optimism, or both. I will forever appreciate everything he did for her, especially as she battled her illness.

I extend my most sincere condolences to Mel's loved ones. Mel was truly a "stand-up guy," and I will always remember him fondly.

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