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PAUL G.D. POTTER

PAUL POTTER Obituary

PAUL GERARD DALY POTTER
Died in his home of natural causes on February17, 2015. Born in New York City, the second child of U.S. diplomats Philip Potter and Madeleine Daly Potter, he spent his early years between Washington, DC and Saigon followed by Hong Kong, where he attended the Peak School for four years. After a year in Washington the family was stationed in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he attended The International School. Later at St. Mary's School for Boys in Nairobi, Kenya he distinguished himself academically, swam for Kenya, and achieved the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Upon his return to the US, he attended Marlboro College where his extraordinary artistic gifts manifested themselves in acting, set and costume design. Paul was very involved in the burgeoning theatre scene in Washington in the 1970's. He worked with ASTA, New Playwrights, and the Source Theatre Company; the latter under the direction of the late Bart Whiteman. He acted in the Merchant Ivory Film "Slaves of New York' in addition to being a part of the set design team. Besides being an accomplished window display artist in New York City (Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Bendel's), he was an unforgettable conversationalist and poet. His brothers, Philip BK Potter of Charleston, SC and Alan FD Potter of Virginia, his sister, Madeleine MD Potter of London, England, sisters-in-law, Sheila and Alison Potter, an uncle and three aunts, three nephews, three nieces and numerous cousins survive him. Services previously held.

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Published by The Washington Post on Apr. 14, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for PAUL POTTER

27 Entries

David H Leeson

July 19, 2025

I knew Philip and Paul and Adam and Madeline when I rented the front basement apartment at 3040 Q St. from `72 to `74 while at GW AS PERHAPS the least able freshman and or sophomore. Needless to say between all their amusements and their mothers cooking I survived to (after a business degree) become a cook myself. I miss them all.
[email protected],

Lisa Aaron

April 8, 2025

Paul was my best friend at Marlboro College. I then used to visit him at the pastry shop he worked at I transferred to Hunter College on Lexington Avenue.
He lit up every room. He would have me laughing until tears streamed down my face. I miss him so much.

Lisa Aaron, MD

April 8, 2022

Paul was my guiding light during a dark time a Marlboro College. I so miss him.

Suzanne Peters, 1975

Suzanne Tyrpak

November 21, 2017

I remember Paul well from our Marlboro College days where with did theater together--most memorably an insane production of Titus Andronicus during which, to get from one side of the stage to the other, we had to climb out of a window and run barefoot through the snow. At one point, Paul and I set up camp in front of fireplace in the Library. He knew me as Suzanne Peters. I'm so sorry that we didn't connect again before he passed on.

October 12, 2017

Paul was my best friend at Marlboro College. I am so sad to hear of his death. I used to visit him frequently when he worked on the corner of 70th and Lexington and I had transferred to Hunter College. I wish I could have reunited with him...

Merrill (Foxy) Aharonian (used ot be Black)

May 15, 2017

So so sorry to hear of Paul's death--he was one of the funniest people I ever had the privilege to be in plays with--we would hole up together at the end of semesters at Marlboro to finish papers we procrastinated on. The last time I saw him I was in NY for the funeral of a beloved high school teacher and we met briefly at a friend's house. Paul arrived with a huge bow for a belt and a single rose for condolence. He flagged us a cab and leaned in to say good-bye saying "It's a marvelous day for a funeral." Beautiful smile, beautiful spirit, one of a kind to be much missed.

Peter Holladay

May 10, 2017

I too was shocked to hear through Marlboro of Paul's death. My condolences to his friends and family. I have not crossed paths with Paul since those long ago days, but like many others I retain vivid memories of his gleefully sardonic wit and sense of mischief. A real loss.

Rachel Eugster

May 8, 2017

The news of Paul's death makes me profoundly sad. How could I have known that his bright light went out more than two years ago? It's a huge loss, and I send my love and deepest sympathies to all his family and friends.
Like others who have shared their thoughts here, I too had hoped and expected to see Paul again some day. He is vivid in my memories: his elegance, his wit, his fiery intelligence, his sheer sense of fun. His complete inability to suffer fools, and the exhilaration of being in his orbit.
I remember his Mephistopheles to David Asman's Faust, a role he embraced full-throttle. The mental image is so clear that I went looking for the photo I thought I must have, so that I could share it here. But no, although I have shots from that production, that one is not amongst them. The image of Paul as Mephistopheles was simply burned into my memory.
And then we toured that show to northern Vermont. I remember the fury evoked in Paul in Burlington by the policeman who walked out in front of the stage in the middle of Paul's most dramatic moment. The purpose of the brazen interruption was to announcenot that someone was having a heart attack, not that the building was on fire, but that a car had been left in the parking lot with its lights on. Mephistopheles blazed that night, and Paul simmered for days.
I remember The Oresteia, and an entire spring spent in excited discussion and anticipation. There was more fun and drama in the planning than the production itself could possibly have contained, had it ever been brought to fruition.
And I remember discovering that Paul was a lovely, devoted, and protective older brother. Dancing together in the Dining Hall, he and Mal were grace personified. I can still see them doing, of all things, the hustle, after disco had swamped the swing band Widespread Depression as the popular choice for Marlboro dances. That memory too is in full color, Mal in red. And of course Mal then taught it to us, and the whole crowd of us hustled together, dance after dance, one-and two-and one-two-three one-and two-and one-two-three. . . ,
And I seem to think that Paul was in the show that included, among a large cast, an enormous range of differently shaped men. Serving as costume-shop elves under Coral Suter's direction, we built tailor-made jackets from scratch that didn't quite fit. That was certainly an education!
And of course there was the running joke inspired by Paul's cheekbones, which show after show had the whole school expecting Aunt Kate's imminent arrival. Of course she would be there to see us! How could she miss it?
And, in the years after Marvelo, I remember visits to DC, first to the beautiful house in Georgetown, then to East Capitol. I remember visiting Paul in a little art gallery where he was happily ensconced. It's nice to remember so much pleasure in my most recent memory of him.
Hugs, tears, and love to all of Paul's near and dear ones, especially to you, Mal. Do get in touch, if you feel so inclined. I've reached out a time or two over the years, but have no idea whether any of my messages found you. I'd love to know how you are. You and Paul pop up in my dreams from time to time--I'm always glad to see you there, but would much rather reconnect in waking life.
Love and condolences to you all!

Charisse Gendron

April 23, 2017

I've just read of Paul's passing in the Marlboro College magazine. I'm very sorry to hear it. Paul was extraordinary--graceful, brilliant, and kind. My condolences to his family.

Bruce Hain

April 19, 2017

Many including me will miss the always sunnily disposed and unassuming friend at Marlboro, Paul Potter, who was also so highly amusing.

Gayle Herrmann

January 6, 2017

I am saddened to just hear that Paul has left us. His stories and energy were shared by the staff at the clothing store Mustard Seed in Bethesda, Md. where I used to work. I remember all the fun I had with him buying gifts for his family and the excitement he shared over beautiful jewelry and fabrics! Gayle

May 7, 2016

Chude Mondlane

April 9, 2016

I had the pleasure while sitting watching a show and lo and behold my favorite actress appeared! It was great to see you doing your thing so exquisitely. Always reminds me of the old days when we were all children on the back porch of your home in Dar-es-Salaam. What a treat! Much love to you Madeleine xoxo write me when you can [email protected]

Gayle Maccia

March 8, 2016

Thinking of you and missing you more that I can express...connected through our laughter and love, always.

John Quigley

February 5, 2016

I feel so terribly sad after learning today (2/5/16) of Paul's passing almost 1 yr. ago. Although I hadn't seen him in many years, I am blessed with many fond memories of him & his family. Peace & Love be with you, my friend. *Sinbad

Isabel Lopatin

February 5, 2016

I occasionally saw Paul when he visited his aunt in Cold Spring NY, which is where I live. One time, he came to my house for dinner when my parents were visiting. My mother and I went to fetch my husband from the train, and when we got back, my father, who was a relic of the Austro-Hungarian empire, was teach Paul Spanish Court etiquette. It was a lovely scene: my father performing, Paul practicing. I don't know who was having more fun, my friend Paul or my father, also named "Paul".

November 30, 2015

I have a few photos of my friend, Paul that I would like to share, soon. His heart was big enough to hold the universe.

Chude Mondlane

October 27, 2015

My condolences to family and friends of Paul. I had hoped to run into him again in this life but it was not meant to be. Rest in peace...

L-R: Tim Murphy, Paul, Walter Oller (1988, New Jersey)

Jim Murphy

May 17, 2015

Jim Murphy

May 17, 2015

Paul was always a devoted friend to me and my family. We have thought of him often over the years, and shall miss him very much.

Dita Demjaha

May 4, 2015

I cannot believe Paul is not here any more. The man that left a profound impression on me. I will cherish his advice forever. I wish he were still here. Was so looking forward to seeing him again at Easter. All my love and Happy Birthday Angel.

Dita Demjaha

May 4, 2015

Beautiful Paul

Shelley Waitt

April 15, 2015

Sweet and so good, Paulie, I miss you. Your devoted sister wrote beautiful things to send you on your way but we thought we'd have you in our lives longer. You left so many people who love you and will always treasure that friendship.

John Jeter

April 14, 2015

Roland Lewis

April 14, 2015

I think the greatest gifts are the ones you're born with. Paul, a rare, gifted, and beautiul soul. Rest in peace.

Young glorious boy who appreciated beauty like none other! Seared into my memory, your essence.

Gayle Maccia

April 14, 2015

To my beloved darling Paul. I will miss you endlessly. Your wit, laughter, smile and intelligence lit my life with joy. I find it hard to think of this world without you. I save your messages on my phone, so I can hear your voice and know your still close! Forever friends...your Galeleia.

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