Joseph M. Potvin

Joe took his final flight Sunday, December 5, 2021, passing away peacefully, with his loving wife and 4 daughters at his side.

Joe was born May 31, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Emile and Myrtle (Westlund) Potvin. Joe graduated in 1965 from Benedictine High School in Detroit and started his first year at Michigan State University. With the escalation of the war in Vietnam, Joe enlisted in the US Army where he served as a Helicopter pilot in the First Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in Vietnam. He was a talented flight leader that rose in the ranks to Chief Warrant Officer and Master Army Aviator. For his bravery he was awarded the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star. After his return from Vietnam, he graduated from MSU and began his career as a Stockbroker and Financial Advisor. He later realized how much he missed flying and the desire to continue serving his country. He chose to join the Michigan National Guard Aviation Unit. During his time with the Guard, he was blessed with a circle of close, loyal friends of fellow combat helicopter pilots that called themselves the “Blues”. This group of friends shared many fun adventures through the years and took annual trips to Washington DC to celebrate Veterans Day. Joe was a lifelong member of the VFW, the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association and a longtime member of “The Quiet Birdmen”, a national organization of aviators.

Joe married the love of his life Mary Lee Sanford on August 25, 1978 at St. Gerard Catholic Church. They went on to have 4 daughters who were his pride and joy. He truly was the ultimate “Girl Dad” as he was their biggest supporter and biggest fan. He loved to be at all of their activities and sporting events, from coaching, to keeping book, announcing or just cheering from the stands.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lee; daughters, Maggie (Josh) Piotter, Molly (Trevor) Large, Morgan (Trey) Culpepper, and MacKenzie (Alex) Gurrola; his beloved grandchildren, Madison, Carter, and Reagan Piotter, Brody and Harper Large, Chloe Culpepper, and Toribio and Leilani Gurrola; his brother, Richard (Joan) Potvin; and many brothers and sisters-in-law, Martha (Mike) Caterino, Bill (Lyn) Sanford, Kate Sanford (Zach Fales), Peggy (Dave) Clark, Betsy (Steve) Romankewiz, and Mark (Susan) Sanford; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother, Bob (Kate) Potvin, and sister, Mary (Mike) Krause.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 pm, with a rosary service at 7:30 on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W Saginaw St, Lansing, MI 48917. On Friday, December 17th, 2021 there will be a visitation at 1:00 pm until the Funeral Liturgy at 2:00 pm and followed by military honors and a celebratory luncheon at St. Gerard Catholic Church at 4437 West Willow Highway, Lansing, MI 48917.

Joe was a strong proponent of Catholic Education and believed his greatest gift to his children was providing them with an education at Catholic Schools. He served as the volunteer President for the Catholic Education Foundation in the Lansing Area for 10 years and on the St. Gerard Parish Council and Finance Committee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Gerard School, Lansing Catholic High School, or the VFW Post 6132.

Please share condolences with Joe’s family at www.TiffanyFuneralHome.com

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