Edward Eldred Potter Club
Alumni Association, Inc.

Web Site:  www.potterclubalumni.com

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including:
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(including photos from the 85th Anniversary and Unholtz Unsung Hero Award in the Albany Luncheons album)

Edward Potter 100th

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and
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List


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History

In Memoriam
The list contains all known deceased Pottermen and several from the 30s who are believed to be deceased.

Reunion21

Reunion11

Reunion10

Reunion09

Reunion08

Reunion 07

Reunion 06

Reunion05

List of Past Potter Club Reunions

Address Changes

Lost EEPs

Discussion of the
Future


Webmaster

Links to:
APA*
   Chi Sig
KB 
SLS*
(
*Link appears to be no
longer active)

 UAlbany

Archived News
2005 to Present

 
January 5, 2024:  In memoriam:  Bernard F. McEvoy, `57
Bernard F. McEvoy, MD Schenectady - Bernard F. McEvoy, MD, died on December 31, 2023 after an illness.  A native of Little Falls, New York, he was educated in the public schools there. He graduated from the New York State College for Teachers in Albany with a bachelor of science in physics. He was the recipient of a New York State Regents scholarship. While in Albany, he met his wife Barbara at a freshman mixer. He was a member of the Potter Club. They married in 1962 in Amsterdam, New York.
He earned his medical degree from Albany Medical College in 1961. He interned at Michael Reese Hospital, the Combined Jewish Philanthropies Hospital, in Chicago, Illinois. After a year as a resident in internal medicine at the Buffalo Veterans Administration Hospital he entered the Army Medical Corps as a captain. He was posted at the Outpatient Depot at Walson Army Hospital in Fort Dix, New Jersey. On discharge from the military in 1965 he became a dermatology resident and later chief resident at Boston City Hospital (Tufts University). He was a cancer research fellow at Roswell Park Hospital in Buffalo. He authored five peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on dermatology. In 1967 he was a US Public Health Fellow in cancer research at Roswell Park Memorial Institute in Buffalo. He authored five papers in peer reviewed medical journals and chapters in two dermatology textbooks. He was a member of the Schenectady County Medical Society as well as numerous dermatology and dermatologic surgery organizations concerning pediatric dermatology and laser surgery. He was a fellow of the American College of Physicians. He was an assistant professor at Albany Medical College and entered private practice in Schenectady in 1970 with Dr. William Wells. He became a solo practitioner in 1977. He was on the staff at Ellis and St. Clare's Hospital and a consultant to hospitals in Cobleskill, Gloversville, Amsterdam, Saratoga and Cooperstown. He was a member of the state and county medical societies and a member of numerous dermatology organizations.  He was on the county health department advisory board for 10 years.
     Upon his retirement from private practice in 1998, he and his wife Barbara spent countless hours volunteering in the revitalization of the historic Vale Cemetery. Upon his leadership, Vale Cemetery won numerous awards in the areas of urban green spaces, and green burials. They also enjoyed organizing historic tours of the cemetery, focusing on prominent citizens from the past and present. He was also a leader in the diversification of the cemetery, welcoming citizens of all races and religions to conduct burials in line with their values and traditions. In 2011, Bernard and Barbara were recognized for their work, receiving the Patroon Award in Schenectady. He was a long-time communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church. Currently, he and Barbara are trustees of the church. Also, he was a long-time member of the Schenectady Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Schenectady Veterans Club.
     He is survived by his three children Bernard McEvoy (Blair) of Franklin, TN; Irene Sellers of Wilmington, NC and Mary Manjikian (Ara) of Chesapeake, VA. He is also survived by his sister, Nan, and ten grandchildren: Haig, Lucine and Rubina Manjikian; Will, Christopher and Elizabeth McEvoy, and Sydney, Ian, Westley, and Emma Sellers.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated, Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 12 noon at St. John the Evangelist Church, 810 Union Street, Schenectady. Calling hours will be Friday, January 5, from 3 until 6 p.m. at the Gleason Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Little Falls, NY at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist Church.
Published by The Daily Gazette Co. on Jan. 3, 2024.

December 20, 2023: 
The entries that follow comprise the passsings of several Pottermen.  The postings now bring the records up to date to the extent of the information that is available.

December 10, 2023:  In memoriam:  Stephen Cornell, `68 
Stephen J. Cornell, 77,
of Binghamton, died Sunday, December 3, 2023. He is survived by his sister, Jean (Tom) Baldwin; his nieces and nephews, Jason (Mary) Cornell, Kim (Brent) Walworth, Kelly (Kevin) Hayes, Christopher (Megan) Addisyn; brothers-in-law David Hantsch and Robert Hantsch; sister-in-law Christine Cornell; his "Dog-Child" Willie and his many great-nieces and great-nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend Diana Cornell; his parents Jerome and Marjorie; and his brother Joseph Cornell.
    Steve taught at the Binghamton City School District for 33 years. He enjoyed teaching Spanish and French at East Middle, North High and Binghamton High. In addition, he proudly kept the stats for the BHS boys’ basketball team as well as doing the announcing. He was well known and loved at Binghamton schools, with it being said he advised, mentored and made connections with many students and colleagues. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He enjoyed golfing with the Tuesday and Thursday league at the Apalachin Golf Course.
    Steve was predeceased by his wife and best friend, Diana. The two were inseparable companions and loved traveling together. Both would happily share details about their trips and always looked forward to planning their next trip together.
    Steve and Diana were loving dog-parents to Sebastian, Simba, Coco and Willie. Each dog was treated like individual family members and were never far from each others sides. Their pets were always on their mind even while on one of their many adventures.
    A memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 13th at 12:00 pm at the Ogden Hillcrest United Methodist Church, 1061 Chenango St. Binghamton, NY. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Wednesday at the Ogden Hillcrest United Methodist Church. Following the service Stephen will be inurned at Chenango Valley Cemetery. Cremation services provided by Hopler & Eschbach Funeral Home.

December 10, 2023: In memoriam: Gerry Holzman, `54 
            Gerry Holzman, Creator of The Empire State Carousel, Author, Teacher

     Gerry Holzman, Master Carver, died on December 8th, 2023. He liked to say that his entry into the world in the early summer of 1933, as the first son of Solomon and Hazel Holzman, was a statement of optimism during the depths of the Great Depression. Gerry departed this life after a 90-year sojourn while still pondering Carl Sandburg’s mystifying questions: “Where to? What next?”
     Preceded by his brother Steven, Gerry is survived by his always loving (and always loved) wife of 66 years, Arlene Davidson Holzman, his three daughters, three sons-in-law: Nancy Holzman (Jim Stegman), Jill Irving (Jeff), and Susan Gatti (Mark). Completing this highly cherished mishpocha are six grandchildren, Gregory Gatti, Jonathan Gatti, Liam Stegman, Devan Stegman, Joshua Irving, Julie Irving, a younger brother, Larry (Dottie Eckardt), two sisters-in-law, Margie Barrett Holzman and Claire Davidson Siegel, nieces and nephews. Gerry and Arlene lived for decades and raised a family on Long Island, in Islip, NY and later moved to Cambridge, NY before relocating to Brunswick, Maine.
     A graduate of Amenia High School, Gerry received his teaching degree from SUNY Albany.
As a student at Albany he made many lifelong friends, and it is where he first heard the words that would become his mantra: "Let each become all he was created capable of being." He did.
     Following his college graduation, he served in the US Army in Ethiopia, Africa. He went on to have two different careers: 25 years as a public school teacher/administrator on Long Island, followed by over 40 years as a professional woodcarver/sculptor. Both careers required a dedication to community and to communicating. Attesting to this notion are his varied roles as: President and co-founder of the Bay Shore Classroom Teachers Association, Speaker for NYS Council of Humanities, Consultant to NYS Historical Association, President and co-founder of the LI Woodcarvers Association, founder of Beatty, Holzman & Speiser Woodcarving, president/founder/head carver of the Empire State Carousel Association, woodcarving teacher at the Allan Herschell Carousel Museum, Cooperstown's Farmers' Museum and the Adirondack Folk School. He was a lecturer and artist-in-resident for the Cunard Cruise Lines, a woodcarver for Disney World, and a sign-carver for New York’s South Street Seaport.
     Trained in the UK by English Master Carver Gino Masero, Gerry’s diverse work can be found in museums, public libraries, churches and synagogues, educational institutions, commercial establishments, and private collections. But by far, his single most significant work is the Empire State Carousel, a full-size operating merry-go-round based entirely on the theme of New York State. Aptly described by Arlene Holzman as a museum you can ride on, this revolving history lesson is Gerry’s original design. With Arlene’s help, he recruited nearly 1,000 fellow New York artisans and guided them through the carousel’s 23-year creative odyssey. He strongly felt that the process of establishing this interactive community of creative people was as important as the creation of the carousel itself. The carousel remains in merry motion at the Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown, NY celebrating Gerry’s deep and lifelong love for New York State.
     Gerry was a prolific author, writing articles for a variety of publications on carousels, folk art, travel (he visited every continent except Antarctica), politics, and rural life. He wrote three books about the art and culture of woodcarving that presented lively portrayals of the art and artists he loved. In all of these books, he focused on his gratitude for finding a profession that allowed him to bring joy and beauty into a world that is too often sad.
     Although Gerry was not a Bar Mitzvah and did not regularly attend temple nor always observe the High Holidays, he tried to live a Jewish life by studying Jewish history and by memorializing Jewish culture in his carvings. More importantly, he kept trying, though not always succeeding, to follow Rabbi Hillel’s ancient and simple admonition: “What is hateful to you, do not do to others.”
     A memorial service may be held at a later date. Donations in Gerry’s memory can be made to CHANS Hospice, 45 Baribeau Drive Brunswick, ME 04011, https://www.mainehealth.org/mainehealth-care-home/ways-give  or your local hospice, food bank, or arts organization.

November 9, 2023:  In memoriam:
[N.B.  Information about McGrorty, Leader, and Ernst provided by Joe Mullin, `77]
Christopher McGrorty, `78
McGrorty, Christopher T., 61 of Mt. Laurel, N.J. (childhood home West Babylon) passed away peacefully on November 19, 2017. Beloved husband of Susan McGrorty. Loving father of Rishaee (Jesse) Fiorini, Thomas McGrorty and Matthew McGrorty. Caring Pop Pop of Alyssa and Evie Fiorini. Loving and cherished son of Mary McGrorty and the late Thomas J. McGrorty. Dear brother of Andrew (Marilynn) Claire and the late Michael and Carol. Survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and sister and brother in laws. A memorial visitation service will be held on November 30th from 5-9 pm at Noce Funeral Home, 189 Route 109, West Babylon, N.Y. 11704. Funeral Mass, Friday December 1st, 10 am at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 39 N. Carll Ave., Babylon, N.Y. 11702. In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Christopher and Matthew McGrorty to: Hope and Heroes Children’s Cancer Fund, 161 Fort Washington Ave, New York, N.Y. 10032

Frank Leader, `75:
 Frank P. Leader, 58, of Auburn, died Tuesday, November 1, 2011. He was the son of the late Bruce and Erma Troxal Leader. He was a 1972 graduate of Skaneateles High School and worked for McLaughlin Glass Co. for the past several years. Survivors: his brother, Donald Buschbascher of Crystal River, FL, and several nieces and nephews. Services: There are no calling hours as per his request. A memorial service will be held in the spring. Arrangements are by the Plis Funeral Home, Auburn. Contributions: to the American Cancer Society.  Published by Syracuse Post Standard on Nov. 3, 2011.

Richard Ernst, `77
   [N.B.  The date and place of Rick's death is unavailable.  When more information becomes available the records will be updated, and noted on the web site.]

November 4, 2023:  Persico Honored by Lake Placid.  Dick Persico, `55, was recently honored, posthumously, by the Lake Placid community, when he was inducted into the Lake Placid Hall of Fame.  See details in the following link: https://www.lakeplacidnews.com/news/local-news/2023/10/12/lake-placid-hall-of-fame-to-induct-banks-persico-warner/

August 8, 2023: In memoriam:
March 22, 2023: Edward A. Franco, `55:
Edward A. Franco:
To view an on demand recording of Ed's funeral Mass please click here or use the "Click here to view video" icon located below the service information box.

Edward A Franco, aged 90, of Minneapolis, formerly of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, and Herkimer, New York, died peacefully at home on March 22, 2023. Beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, teacher, friend.  He is survived by Anne, his wife of 60 years; children, Libby (Bob) Weil, Anne (Aaron) Rodriguez and Peter Franco; grandchildren, Ben, Claire and Laura Weil, and Sara, Christopher and Nicholas Rodriguez; brothers, Rocco (Rosemarie), John (Roseann), Peter Franco; sister, Mary Franco; many nieces, nephews and extended family.  Preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Thomas Franco; sister, Rita (Pop) Cassella; brothers, Joseph, Raymond (Olga) and Thomas Franco; sister-in-law, Joan Franco.

Dad taught Spanish at Grosse Pointe South High School in Grosse Pointe, Michigan for 28 years and was chair of the foreign language department for 25 years. He was a beloved teacher of many and a mentor to foreign students studying abroad at the high school. He had close relationships with many students, some of which continue to this day. He advanced the program by developing and implementing curriculum for higher level Spanish classes. He served as an evaluator and grader for Spanish Language Advanced Placement exams for the Educational Testing Service. After retiring, he taught English to middle schoolers at St. Juliana’s School in Detroit for several years.

Dad traveled the world with Mom and was never happier than when planning his next trip. Starting in 1955 when he left the US for the first time to visit Turkey as a community ambassador. He has shared his love of travel his whole life, by leading student groups, and later groups of friends, to Europe, sending his own children to study in Spain and then his grandchildren on cultural and language immersion trips while in high school. He wanted us to appreciate the wonderful variety of cultures in our world.  Everywhere Dad went, he talked to people about where they were from, what life was like for them, and how beautiful their home country was - because he had usually been there. Everyone loved and remembered him. Dad grew up in an Italian immigrant family in Herkimer, New York. Although he lived most of his adult life in Michigan, he never forgot his roots. His hometown, extended family and Italian heritage were of central importance in his life.

Dad and Mom were long-time members of St. Clare of Montefalco parish in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. In recent years they moved to Minneapolis to be closer to their children and grandchildren. It has been a blessing for all of us. He was caring, kind and compassionate. He will be missed.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Monday, April 17, 2023, at the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, 2914 West. 44th Street, Minneapolis.  Visitation one hour prior to the Mass at the church.

Memorials are preferred to the charity of the donor’s preference.

August 6, 2023:
In memoriam:  July 20, 2023: Herbert J. Egert, `53:
Herbert John Egert:
  December 10, 1930 ~ July 20, 2023 (age 92)
Obituary:  Family and friends will gather for Visitation on Saturday, July 29th from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Horton-Mathie Funeral Home. A Prayer Service will be observed at 1:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorial donations be made to:  East Marion Fire Department, P.O. Box 162, East Marion, NY 11939;  East End Hospice, 481 Westhampton-Riverhead Road, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978;  North Fork Animal Welfare League, Inc., P.O. Box 297, Southold, NY 11971.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Herbert John Egert, please visit our floral store.  Services:  Visitation:  Saturday July 29, 2023 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Horton-Mathie Funeral Home, 735 First Street, Greenport, NY 11944

https://www.horton-mathie.com/obituary/Herbert-Egert

April 25, 2023:
Gerry Holzman, `55, to celebrate his 90th Birthday.
Gerry Holzman's family notified us they will be celebrating Gerry's 90th birthday June 3rd (his birthday is actually June 8) in Cooperstown.  They ask his friends to send any memorable "Gerry" quotes, stories, or photos you think he would appreciate and that would add to the celebration.  These contributions will be incorporated in a Memory Book for Gerry.  Please send your memory book contributions to Jirving6@maine.rr.com or Jill Irving, 134 Lester Drive, Portland, ME 04103 by May 15th.  You can reach Gerry directly by email at gerrygoodguy1@gmail.com or by regular mail at: 28 Birch Meadow Road, Brunswick, ME 04011.

In memoriam: April 9, 2023: Dwight L. Burden, `71
 Dwight L. "Chip" Burden, Jr., 73, passed away on Easter Sunday (April 9, 2023) at Moore Place, Newark, NY with his beloved wife, Paula, at his side. In honoring Chip's request there will be no prior calling hours. Contributions in Chip's memory may be made to Our Lady of Peace Parish, 130 Exchange Street, Geneva or St. Francis/St. Stephen's School, 17 Elmwood Ave., Geneva. Family and friends may attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am on Friday, May 5, 2023, at St. Francis De Sales Church, 130 Exchange Street, Geneva. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Geneva, NY. Chip was born on November 5, 1949 in Newark, NY and was the son of the late Phyllis (Walborn) and Dwight Louis Burden, Sr. He was a 1967 Graduate of Red Jacket High School and went on to graduate from State University of Albany in 1971. Chip was a proud member of Potter Club. Chip met Paula while attending University. They have been together ever since. Chip worked as a City of Geneva Health Inspector, then working as a District Director for NYS Department of Health. He retired in 2005. He was an avid golfer and jogger. Most importantly, Chip loved his family especially his grandchildren. Chip was member of Our Lady of Peace Parish where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He is survived by his adoring wife Paula (Evangelista); sons Scott (Courtney) Burden of Geneva and Joshua Burden of Geneva; sister Barbara Burden of Shortsville, NY; brother Bruce (Wendy) Burden of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren Blayze and Brooke Burden. The family wishes to thank the staff at Moore Place, Demay Living Center, Newark, NY Their patience, kindness and care helped to ease the challenge of Chip's long illness.
 
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dwight Burden, please visit Tribute Store
Mass: 10:00 am,  Friday, May 5, 2023,  St. Francis De Sales Church, 130 Exchange Street, Geneva, New York

In memoriam: April 7. 2023: John P. Duffy, `69
John P. Duffy, 75, passed away on Friday April 7, 2023, at his home.  Born on November 6, 1947, in Glens Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Thomas and Margaret (Flannery) Duffy.  John attended Fort Edward High School and graduated in 1965. In his senior year he led the Northern Conference in scoring as a member of the FEHS basketball team and won first place for Discus at the Section 2 Track and Field Championship. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Business/Accounting from the University of Albany in 1969 where he played basketball with his team and participated in the NCAA Basketball Tournament. He subsequently received his MBA degree at Iona University.  He spent his career in public finance, starting out with State Comptrollers’ Office and later as the Commissioner of Finance in Putnam County. He retired from the Ballston Spa School District as the Director of Business and Support Services.  During the time of the Vietnam War, John served his country in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971.  He enjoyed the outdoors and was avid biker, skier, and hiker. He was an avid basketball fan at all levels, especially at the local high school level.  Left to cherish his memory include his sons Mark Duffy of Oakland CA and John Duffy of Culver City, CA, his partner, Sue Bowe of South Glens Falls and ex-wife, Jean Gorman of Malta, brother Tom Duffy (Marion) of Glenmont, NY, sister Mary Arena of Maybrook and numerous nephews and nieces.  Friends may call on Sunday, April 16, 2023, from 4 to 6pm at the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828.  The Rite of Committal will be at 12noon on Monday, April 17, 2023 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.

[N.B.  See archives link at the left for previous years.]

[N.B.  Please contact the webmaster for complete address information on any one Potterman or any set of names, such as a class list, or a list from an era.]

Jack Higham, Webmaster, highamwj@stny.rr.com
489 Echo Road, Vestal NY 13850
607-748-9015
845-717-8593 Cell, Text