Alfred John Potenti, 91, of Worcester, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 after a 25 year battle and defying the odds against cancer.
He is survived by his devoted son, Frederick “Fritz” Potenti and life partner Jayme Beique of Brimfield, his loving granddaughter Tina Potenti LaCroix and her husband Timothy LaCroix of Boylston and his loving grandson William Potenti of Worcester. He also leaves four great grandchildren who will miss him dearly, McKenzie, Dominic, Dane and Darci; sister in law, Millie Potenti (wife of Raymond) of Clinton, as well as, many generations of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, many whom were able to celebrate his recent birthday at the Potenti family reunion. He is predeceased by his wife Emma Esper Potenti, a great granddaughter, Drew Christine Potenti, as well as, his parents Mariano and Bomena (Arcure) Potenti and fourteen siblings: Dominic Potenti, Robert “Babe” Potenti, John “Johnny” Potenti, Philip Potenti, Raymond Potenti, Paul Potenti, Annie (Potenti) Desalvio, Theresa Potenti, Louise Potenti, Lucy (Potenti) Sjosten, Lena (Potenti) Kazmierczak, Julia (Potenti) Michaud, Dolores Potenti D’Acri and an infant John Potenti.
Fred grew up in an apartment on Wall Street in Worcester with his many siblings and immigrant parents. He often talked about his childhood and how he helped his mother prepare live chickens and how school was a struggle because they forced him to speak English. He and his siblings slept five to a bed, ate in shifts at the table while his mother spent countless hours cooking. The highlight of their Christmas was to find a piece of fruit in their sock which they hung each year. A piece of fruit in the Potenti family was a treat that was not afforded to them every day. It was during his childhood, that Fred understood the meaning of hard work and humility.
Fred enlisted in the US Army in 1945 and served our country in the 71st division in WWII. After liberating many German concentration camps, he came home and began a family. Fred loved his role as the Boy Scout Master of Troop 47 out of Mount Carmel Church and spent many years at Treasure Valley preparing young people for life and instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Fred worked at Wyman Gordon in Grafton until 1960 when he opened his first restaurant, The Blue Goose on Front Street with his wife Emma. In the mid-sixties Fred moved the business to the former Town Club on Lake Ave and renamed it “The Four Season Restaurant” in 1967. The Four Seasons opened its doors for over 50 years with Fred recreating the culinary dishes passed down from his family and his heritage to so many of his valued customers. Fred dedicated the rest of his life to that restaurant and took pride in every meal he created and treated every customer like family. Fred was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone. He absolutely took care of as many family and friends as he could in his lifetime. Whether he sponsored someone’s sports team, bought from a child’s fundraiser, helped with someone’s medical expenses, picked up the tab for someone’s meal or sent food up to someone who was ill, Fred understood the concept of random acts of kindness and was a generous soul to many. Fritz, Tina and Will spent most of their lives working alongside Fred and the restaurant was their second home. It was not uncommon to find the Four Seasons open on holidays with an amazing spread only to find the Potenti’s setting up a spot for dinner for themselves once the day’s work was done. It was truly a family affair. Fred’s amazing open steak, delicious homemade red gravy among other things could never be replicated and as a result, the Four Seasons Restaurant became one of the longest operating and highly successful restaurants in Worcester. Fred is the Lou Gehrig of the restaurant business, never missing a day of work until he retired at the age of 87 in 2014.
Fred’s passion for cooking is most evident in his life; however, he also enjoyed watching movies, any sports games, especially basketball, boxing, baseball and football. He collected coins, loved Italian music and had an amazing singing voice. He was no stranger to belting out an old Italian favorite in front of an audience and relishing in the moment. If Fred had a choice for dinner, he would choose Lebanese food and being an avid dog lover would always share his dinner with his four-legged family. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion.
Alfred Potenti and his life’s story is the epitome of the American dream. He came from simple means and worked toward the brightest future he could for both himself and his family. His legacy is legendary and the impact he made on others will be remembered for generations to come.
We would like to thank his family, all his friends, and his loyal customers over the years for all their love and support. We also want to thank the staff and his friends at Holy Trinity for all the love and kindness they bestowed upon Fred over the last four years.
Calling hours are private for the immediate family only; however, all will be invited to attend the graveside burial to be announced in the near future.
In lieu of flowers, Fred would be honored if donations were made in his name to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606 and the Massachusetts Humane Society, PO Box 850177, Braintree, MA 02185-0177. DIRSA -MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton St., is assisting the family with arrangements.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 11:30 am in St. Jjohn Cemetery, St George Section