Edward Potocki

Edward Potocki, age 95 of Warren, passed away peacefully at home on March 19, 2020 with his loving family by his side. He was born June 8, 1924 in Detroit, son of the late William and the late Virginia (nee: Roski) Potocki.

A young lad growing up in the ethnic surroundings of Hamtramck, Edward was proud to be the son of immigrant parents who made their way from Poland to the United States for a slice of that American Pie and a chance at making their dreams come true. As Edward made his way through the school system, he was but a budding student in high school when World War II broke out and changed everybody’s lives. Ed was a mere 18 years old when Uncle Sam came calling, so he answered that call with the pride and patriotism that surged through his veins and did his part for the war effort.

So it is that we pay homage to Edward for his service to our country as a soldier in our great U.S. Army. Ultimately attaining the rank of Private First Class, Ed served from January 1943 to September 1945, with a year of that time being spent in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations as a Radio Operator for the Army. Unfortunately, Ed’s accelerated honorable discharge would be precipitated by the injuries he received from an explosion that required extensive care and treatment, rehabilitation that was afforded Edward throughout his 2 years of healing. Hence, with thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we honor Edward’s service and extend our posthumous gratitude for the sacrifices made and his willingness to stand in harm’s way for the sake of freedom. For the call to duty he so bravely served, we humbly enjoy our freedoms and liberties because he was there. Edward was truly part of our country’s “Greatest Generation.”

After managing his injuries and enjoying better health, Ed headed out to find gainful employment and eventually did so by landing a position as a Missile Technician with the Department of Defense. Stationed primarily at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Ed’s work took him to various locations in Michigan, as well, such as Belle Isle, Commerce, and Newport. Ed loved to work and took great pride in giving it his all. But Ed’s work environment afforded him much more than merely great rewards for a job well done,…it was also responsible for being the backdrop to a timely and life-changing introduction to the woman who would sweep him off his feet and join him in his journey through life, the beautiful Miss Helen Robertine Chitwood,…known more affectionately to all as “Robe.”. So it was that on December 17, 1955, Edward & Robe exchanged their vows of marriage, sealed their love in a beautiful ceremony at Asbury Free Methodist Church on the boulevard, and shared a wonderful life together growing deeper in love with each passing day. Together they would raise four beautiful children and build upon the comforts of home & hearth as husband & wife.

Ed worked a great number of years with the defense department until finally accepting his well-deserved retirement. But like many guys out there in the throes of retirement, they soon learn…“you just can’t keep a good guy down.” So after a short period of refreshment, off to work he went again, this time with the J & K Alarm company where he worked as a service technician for many years. His next opportunity came with a position he was offered as a golf cart repairman at the Red Run Golf Course in Royal Oak. He grew to love what he was doing, so much so that he continued working until the age of 80. Now, amidst all this post-retirement resting, Edward was also well known at the St. John Macomb Hospital (formerly South Macomb Hospital) where he served as one of their dutiful volunteers. A friendly face that brought help in many aspects and left others feeling better through his unselfish efforts.

When Edward managed to find a little “me time” in the day, He loved giving one of those golf carts a spin as he gave his clubs a workout on the course. Sometimes simply with friends, other times in league play, and quite often with his bride, swingin’ the clubs on a sunny day just couldn’t be beat. Forever in search of that Hole-in-One, golfing was certainly one of Ed’s favorite pastimes. Ahh,…but then there was his other favorite sport, bowling. There wasn’t much that could top the fun and entertainment associated with the All-American game that was both pleasurable,…and at times, competitive. It was another sport shared with his bride, Robe as they participated in many leagues throughout the years. Always pining for that 300 Game, Ed surely knew how to “play the pins.”

Like many of the guys from back in the day, Ed was light on his feet and smooth as silk on the dance floor,…it was truly one of his favorite places to be. And though his repertoire of dancing involved many different styles, Ed was renowned for his abilities to “Jitterbug.” From more of the cute angle, his daughters recall how he spent countless hours sitting with them as they watched many of the Shirley Temple and Fred Astaire movies where dancing was the central part of the entertainment.

And then there were the parties. When it came to a good party, you would have Ed’s undivided attention, for sure. Interacting with others, sharing a story or two, and perhaps engaging a crowd with a bit of his wit and humor, Ed lived for a good party and the great memories that always seemed to ensue. Yet of all the events, occasions and activities that filled his life, nothing could hold a candle to the joy and pleasures he amassed through each moment he was afforded in the company of his precious grandchildren. Being one of their most devout babysitter’s, Ed was the consummate Grandpa who poured the warmest, funniest and most sincere parts of himself into each of them. They were truly the light of his life, and gave the same a special meaning just knowing they were part of his being.

A loving husband, father and grandfather (to include “great” and “great-great”), Edward lived a full life and leaves behind a host of lessons, examples and guideposts of how to make it meaningful and special. Indeed, he was a man of faith and revered the Lord, and that faith made a statement that reverberated in the hearts and souls of many who passed through his life. Ed touched countless lives with his humor, candor, and wisdom,…and was certainly a proud veteran who loved wearing his patriotism on his sleeve…literally! When most of us think of Ed, we’ll lovingly remember him in his veterans hat & jacket that he wore with esteemed pride. Just being in his presence made you thankful to be an American! He will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Rest in peace, Brother.          

Edward was the beloved husband of Helen. Dear father of Eddie Potocki, Judy (John) Riegel, Jeff Potocki, and Jennifer (the late Paul Resos) Potocki. Loving grandfather of Autum (John) Alioto, Adam Edward Chavez, Ashley (Joe) White, Amanda (Chad) Schultz, Abigail Potocki-Resos, great-grandfather of Devon, Sydney, Dylan, Mackenzie, Chloe, Blake Edward , Carsyn, Connor, Caleb Edward, Carter, and great-great grandfather of Luna . Brother of Harry (Ilene) Popko, William (Ellen) Potocki, and preceded in death by siblings; Mary, Helen, Chester, Carl, and Eugenia. Also survived by his sister-in-law, Gladys Popko.

Arrangements entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren.

Interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

Please share memories of Edward at his guest book below.