Everett A. “Pop” Potter 98, of Natick passed away Tuesday March 6, 2012 at the Wayland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
He was the beloved husband of the late Alice “Betty” E. (Eastman) Potter who died January 14, 2012, and with whom he celebrated 66 years of marriage on November 10, 2011.
A Natick resident for 58 years he was born in Amherst NH, and raised in Cambridge MA, the son of the late Frank T and Alice (Wood) Potter.
Everett is survived by his son James E. Potter and his wife Margaret of Natick, , grandsons Thomas and his wife Terryn of Whitinsville, Kevin and his wife Danielle Sullivan of New Britain CT, granddaughter Christine Potter of Honolulu HI, great-grandsons, James and Michael Potter of Whitinsville MA, a niece and several nephews.
He was predeceased by his sisters; Edna and Evelyn Potter, Eleanor Smith, and a brother Edmund Potter.
Prior to his marriage, he was a professional trumpet player, playing with dance bands, performing in nightclubs and at weddings in the Boston area. He was a gifted artist, winning several awards for his sketches and paintings. He also enjoyed wood carving and carved graduation stools for Harvard University.
His military career began in 1938 as a member of the 110th Calvary of the Massachusetts National Guard. In 1940 the Calvary was disbanded and the unit was converted to the 180th Field Artillery of the 26th Yankee Division. During WWII, his unit was activated and he served in the Pacific Theatre in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, and Bougainville as a member of the Americal Division. In the Pacific he was a member of the First Combat Infantry Band. In addition to performing at military functions, he played for Bob Hope’s USO show when he entertained troops in Fiji. The band also performed for military functions and played at war bond drives throughout the United States. He received the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon.
Prior to his retirement in 1980, Everett was employed as a custodian at the East and Brown schools in Natick. He previously worked for several chemical companies. He was a graduate of Rindge Technical School, Cambridge MA, and class of 1933
He was a loving grandfather, and was affectionately known by his grandchildren as “Grump”.
He spent many weekends standing on the sideline of his grandchildren’s football, soccer, and basketball games and at cheerleading competitions and dance recitals. He especially enjoyed summers spent with the family at York Beach Maine.
Pop enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, and playing Trivia. He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed telling jokes to anyone who would listen. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service on Saturday March 10 at 11:00 A.M. in the Chapel of the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street, at Natick Common.
Burial will follow in Dell Park Cemetery.
Visiting hours are Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Natick Visiting Nurse Association 209 West Central Street Natick MA 01760, or to The Natick Food Pantry 2 Webster Street Natick MA 01760.