Published in the November 18, 2019 edition.
WAKEFIELD — William W. Potter, 91, longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2019 at Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading.
Born in Stoneham on September 18, 1928, Bill is one of four children of the late Wayne L. and Jetta (née Stevens) Potter. He grew up in Malden and Melrose, before settling in Wakefield.
After high school, Bill joined the United States Marine Corps and served during the latter years of WWII. After the war, he used the GI Bill and went to Northeastern University, where he studied engineering.
Bill went to work for Transitron and later IBM. He eventually went on to own and manage a wallpaper business with stores in Boston and Saugus, as well as in Seabrook, N.H. In later years, he pursued his passion for volunteering with the Department of Veterans Affairs. He served for over 20 years as a member of the International Review Board. The board ensures all research involving human subjects meet all ethical, federal, and institutional guidelines. He also volunteered over 5,000 hours to the E. N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital.
Alzheimer’s disease research was another issue close to Bill’s heart. His late wife suffered from the disease, and he assumed the role of representing the interest of those who are afflicted with Alzheimer’s. He also was an early enrollee in the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center Hope Project which compares healthy ageing as in the case of Bill to others who have the disease.
Bill loved life. He was an excellent cook, loved to garden, which he always said made him feel closest to God, and enjoyed travelling around the world with his beloved Helen. He always enjoyed learning about and experiencing new cultures and traditions. His favorite country by far was Spain, and he was fluent in the language.
Bill was a wonderful uncle and loving brother. His warmth, love of life, and kindness will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
Bill is the beloved husband of the late Helen (Truslow) Potter with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Loving brother of Barbara Frederick and her late husband James of Melrose, the late Kenneth Potter and his surviving wife Dolly, and the late Bette Steven and her late husband George. Also survived by Helen’s children, Peggy Allen of Va., the late Billy Jean Jones, the late Betty Bunch, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held. Interment at Riverview Cemetery in Waynesboro, Va. For online tribute: RobinsonFuneralHome.com
