Former Natick Federal Savings CEO Gone at 79

The following is courtesy of John Everett & Sons Funeral Home.

Richard H. Potter, Jr., of Natick, died with his loving family by his side, October 23, 2013 at MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham, MA after a long illness. He was born on March 8, 1933 in Natick, MA devoted son of the late Richard H. and Greta (Morrill) Potter.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Mary (Carroll) Potter; his loving family, Charles R. Potter and Rhonda Crosby of Milford, MA, Christine A. and Robin Chesley of Medway, MA, and Steven K. Potter of Natick, MA, along with his loving grandchildren, Morgan Chesley, Amanda Chesley, Michael Chesley, Brett Crosby and Nicole Crosby, sisters in law Lois R. Potter of Natick , Rose Marie Potter of Eastham, as well as many, many good friends. He was the brother of the late Robert C. Potter and Arthur C. Potter As stated by one of his best friends: “ I have fond memories of Dick that go back to our early childhood. He was a very, very good man, modest, honest, with clear integrity. I know of many instances in which he quietly helped people in need which to he was the natural response. He had a strong sense of what was correct and what was wrong and he never deviated from this. Above all I recall the love he always expressed for mother and all the family. He was a dear friend to me, and I will miss him.”

He grew up and spent his entire life in Natick, MA and graduated from Natick High School in 1951. After high school he graduated Bentley College in Boston, MA, where he received degrees in Banking & Finance as well as Accounting. He went on to continue and expand his education in many areas including Finance and Computer Science. His hobbies included furniture making, wood working and advising friends and family on anything in life.

He began to work for Natick Federal Savings as a teller in 1949, and became Treasurer and then President and CEO before retiring in 1998. He worked and served as a board member at Natick Federal for 61 consecutive years before retiring as a member of their Board in 2012. Richard also served his community in many ways. He volunteered and sat on the Board of Directors for he was President of The Jaycees, President of the Natick Down Town Merchants Association, Treasurer of The Natick Comets, Treasurer of The March of Dimes, Treasurer of Maria Hayes Home,and Treasurer of the Natick 4th of July Committee for many years of his life. He loved and committed his life to his family, his friends and his community.

At Mr Potter’s request, private family services will be held at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home. Burial at Dell Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to The Home for Little Wanderers, by mail to: 271 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, or online at www.thehome.org.