Mr. Edward J. Potempa (Poppy), 80, Barefoot Bay, Florida, formerly of Marcy, New York passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, March 27, 2013.
He was born in Utica, NY on March 30, 1932, the son of the late Stephen and Bertha Popielarczyk Potempa. He attended Utica schools and received a degree in Computer Science at Mohawk Valley Community College. Edward served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War with the Army 3rd Airborne Ranger Company in 1951 and 1952. Mr. Potempa was employed by Pettibone Corp. for 20 years and also worked as a welder, welding inspector, and construction worker. He was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Whitesboro, NY and he attended St. Luke's Catholic Church in Sebastian, Florida. He was also a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and a member of the V.F.W., The American Legion, The Polish-American Social Club of Barefoot Bay, The British Heritage Club of Barefoot Bay, and the Moose Lodge of Marcy, NY and Sebastian, Fl. Edward was a loving and devoted husband of 42 years to his wife, Mary Scampone Potempa, by whom he was predeceased. He was an extraordinary man who always put others' needs before his own, especially while taking care of his wife for many years prior to her death. Edward was also a dedicated father, grandfather, uncle, godfather, brother, and friend, whose life revolved around his family.
Edward is survived by his beloved daughter and son-in-law, Mary Jane and John Rodzinka Jr. of Barefoot Bay, FL; 6 cherished grandchildren, Denise and Brian Lavier of Barefoot Bay, FL, Sandra Sarus and Frank McLaughlin of Vero Beach, FL, LeeAnne and Steve Abruzzo of Las Vegas NV; 7 loving great-grandchildren, Heather M., Jordan K, and Meadow C. Lavier of Barefoot Bay, FL, Alexander McLaughlin of Vero Beach, FL, Christina M., Angelina R., and Gianna C. Abruzzo of Las Vegas, NV; sister-in-law and husband, Euphrasia and John Nasto of Whitesboro, NY; special companion, Betty Doherty of Barefoot Bay, FL; close friends, Jeffrey Mark and Michael Fleming of Barefoot Bay, FL; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, godchildren, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters, Joseph, Matthew, Stanley, Chester, and Richard Potempa, Mary Bartkowiak, Victoria Murphy, Stephanie Madden, and Sophie (Stella) Potempa.
A special thanks is extended to family members, dear friends, and Hospice, who provided assistance during Edward's illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM, April 8, 2013, at St. Luke's Catholic Church, Sebastian, Fl. Inurnment will take place on April 9, 2013, at South Florida National Cemetery in Lakeworth, FL with Military Honors accorded by the U. S. Army. Edward's cremains will be buried accompanied by the cremains of his predeceased wife, Mary.
Memorials may be made to the William Childs Hospice House, 381 Medplex Pkwy, Palm Bay FL, 32907.
"You will always be in our hearts".
Arrangements by Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Sebastian, FL.
To view an online tribute please visit www.seawindsfh.com