Published in the July 27, 2017 edition.
SAUGUS — Bradford H. “Brad” Pottle, a resident of Saugus, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 25, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, at age 79.
Brad was born in Stoneham on June 10, 1938, one of three children of the late Herman and Laura (Wheeler) Pottle. He was raised in Wakefield where he graduated from Wakefield High School, Class of 1956. He married Patricia Tarr on April 19, 1968 and remained in Wakefield for many years until 1980 when they moved to Melrose, and later to Saugus in 1999. Brad worked as a salesman in several capacities, co-owned Pottle Florist in Melrose and Hoffman Florist in Boston, and in retirement served as property manager.
Brad was an active and dedicated member of the Masons for 49 years. He was member and past Master of the Golden Rule Lodge in Wakefield, the Winslow Lewis Lodge in Boston, and was appointed the Rt. Worshipful Representative to the Grand Lodge of Puerto Rico. In addition, Brad was a recipient of the Joseph Warren Distinguished Service Award, a member of St. Bernard Commandery No. 12, the Masters Lodge AF&AM, Massachusetts College M.S.R.I.C.F., the Aleppo Temple Shrine, and the Royal Order of Jesters.
Quick-witted and sociable, Brad made many long term friendships that he always appreciated through his many years as a Mason.
Brad also served as chairman of the Boston Executives Association, and was a longtime member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. In his free time, he enjoyed boating with his wife Patti aboard “Pistachio” along coastal New England waters from Kennebunkport, ME to Newport, RI.
For someone who never knew how to swim, he loved being on the water and spending summer weekends on the boat. Friendly and never shy to tell a (short) story, he was elected to several terms as the Commodore of Danversport Yacht Club Association.
A proud American, Brad was also passionate politically. He served as a campaign coordinator for many years with the Republican Party, as chairman of the Wakefield Republican Town Committee, and was elected to serve as a State Representative for the Commonwealth of MA.
Brad’s other main love in life was animals. He had a soft spot for most any animal, but especially loved his birds, and was a regular supporter of many animal organizations. He was particularly close to his loveable Bichon Frise girlfriend, “Mitzi,” who often led him around. Brad will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but will be lovingly remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, and generosity of spirit.
Brad was the beloved husband of Patricia A. (Tarr) Pottle with whom he shared 49 years of marriage. He was the caring brother of Nance Hallstrom of Ipswich, and Robert Pottle and his wife June of North Reading. He was the brother-in-law of Wayne Tarr and his wife Maryrose of Wakefield. He is also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Brad’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, July 28, from 4-8 p.m with a Masonic service at 7 p.m., and again for his funeral service celebrated on Saturday at 10 .a.m. For directions, online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
