Peter Richard Potter

DELMAR - Peter Richard Potter, age 58, passed away on January 5, 2025, at Albany Medical Center. Peter was born on February 9, 1966, at Kagnew Station Hospital, Asmara, Ethiopia, to Francis and Anna (Garyfallou) Potter. Peter devoted his life to public service. From 1987-1991, he joined the U.S.S. Santa Barbara AE-28 as a Navy Bos'n Team Leader, and oversaw administrative, security, and management programs for ports and ship armaments . After graduating from the SUNY Albany, Class of 1993, Peter worked the next 14 years across the offices of Rep. Michael McNulty, Assemb. Robert Prentiss, Sen. Frank Padavan, and Sen. Joe Bruno. Peter coordinated several efforts to promote causes like education and veterans care; he helped write the veterans' tax exemption as Prentiss's Chief of Staff. For the last 19 years, as Public Affairs Director for the Albany-Stratton VA Medical Center, Peter piloted local programs, pushed for national care standards, and streamlined the VA's suicide hotline. Peter was a jovial man whose wonderful sense of humor drew many friends into his life. He enjoyed spending time with family at Lake Champlain and Cape Cod. His hobbies included riding the jet-ski, cooking, and playing the piano. Peter found great joy in spending time with his beloved dogs, cherishing their companionship throughout his life. Peter is survived by his wife, Mary Beth Dwyer Potter; and his sons, Peter II and Michael. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 14, at the Parish of Mater Christi, 40 Hopewell St., Albany, N.Y. 12208. Calling hours begin at 10:00 a.m.; Mass begins at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) at P.O. Box 5021 in Hagerstown, Md. 21741-5021; or the Albany Stratton Fisher House (make out to "Albany Stratton VA Medical Center – Attn.: Dom Dominguez" or annotate the memo line) at 113 Holland Ave., Albany, N.Y. 12208.

Class of 1984
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