Dr. Charles M Potestio, age 91, of Pueblo, Colorado passed away on Monday August 27, 2018. Charles was born March 27, 1927 in Pueblo, Colorado, to Elmer E. Potestio (+1982) and Rose L. DeRose Potestio (+1977).
Viewing will be held at the George McCarthy Historic Chapel Thursday, September 13th 5:30-7pm
Rosary will follow at 7pm.
Address: 400 Broadway Ave, Pueblo, CO 81004
Charles Michael Potestio born March 27, 1927, passed on to the Lord Monday, August 27, 2018. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Rose Marian Gadpaille Potestio (+2016).
Charles is survived by his three children, Armand (Wendy) Potestio, Linda Nichols and Anita Cunningham; 6 grandchildren, Gina and Anthony (Armand), Graham and Rachael (Linda) and Kyle(Tyra) & William (Taylor) (Anita);and 3 great grandchildren, Mya and Kaleb (Kyle and Tyra) and Henley (William and Taylor).
Charles was preceded in death by his brother Albert D. Potestio, D.D.S. (+1994) and is survived by his youngest brother Eugene E. Potestio.
Pasqualle Michael Albert Potestio is how dad’s name reads on his birth certificate. When he enlisted for the Naval Services Med Core, it was changed to Charles, not sure why as Pasqualle in Italian means Passover. Shortly after training he was transferred to the Amphibs, which was the beginning of the Navy SEALS, where the need was greatest.
He was born at home in Pueblo, Colorado, graduated from Central High School and did a 2-year graveyard shift stint at the railroad before deciding that he indeed wanted to continue his studies.
Charles left for college, Medical School and residency and returned to his beloved hometown where he opened a solo OB/GYN practice. He met our mother, Rose, at Mercy Hospital in Denver, CO; and together they moved to Detroit, Michigan for his residency, and came home with a newborn son.
Charles was the epitome of a small-town doctor. If a patient could not pay him, he would accept what they could offer. It could be chickens, a self-portrait oil painting, or whatever work the patient’s family could offer. This was when doing business in the health profession was much simpler. He would provide medical services to the priests and nuns of his beloved Catholic faith. He was the team doctor for the Central Wildcats football team for many years, offering free health exams for the team at his OB/GYN office.
Charles was loved by his office staff, the hospital nurses and his colleagues. The bow tie was a wardrobe staple and a loved feature for the community.
After retiring Charles and Rose delivered Meals on Wheels, volunteered at the resale shop at St. Mary Corwin Hospital, became a member of the Knights of Columbus and helped at the Shrine of St. Therese with whatever duties the priest would ask for help.
Charles was kind, patient, loving, firm, honorable, generous with time and treasure and morally virtuous. He will be sorely missed.
Funeral: Shrine of St. Therese, Friday, September 14th at 10 a.m. with Interment and reception at St. Joseph room following.
Shrine of St. Therese: 300 Goodnight Ave., Pueblo, CO 81004
Interment: Roselawn Cemetery, 1706 Roselawn Rd, Pueblo, CO 81006
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tgmccarthy.com for the Potestio family.
If you would like to make a donation to honor our father's legacy, please visit the Catholic Diocese of Pueblo Foundation's website and click the Donate tab. From there you will be guided to the Dr. Charles M. Potestio Memorial Fund for the benefit of retired clergy. http://catholicfoundationdop.org.
Prayers and Memorial Masses will be especially cherished.
