A Memorial Service for Thomas Frank Potter, age 66, of Palatine, Illinois will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 10:30a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. The Inurnment will be private.
Thomas unexpectedly passed away on January 10, 2023. He was born on May 23, 1956, in Chicago.
His parents, Clifford and Rita (Hoopmann) Potter moved to Mt. Prospect to raise their family. Tom graduated in 1974 from Forest View High School. He married Lynda Purcell on October 13, 1979. He enjoyed his careers at Sears Service Center in Schaumburg and W.W. Grainger in Lake Forest, making many lifelong friends at both.
Tom was a self-taught computer expert, even building his own computers. One of his great passions was photography with his favorite subjects being airplanes, sunsets, and most recently Yellowstone National Park. He had a lifelong interest in astronomy and space travel and spent many nights outside with his telescope. He never missed an eclipse, or the International Space Station passing overhead and loved to inform his family and friends of upcoming events.
Tom was the beloved husband of Lynda A. Potter, loving father of Stephanie (John) Spires, adoring grandfather of Wade Thomas Spires, devoted brother of Jo Ann Gasikowski, and cherished son of the late Clifford and Rita Potter. He was a beloved brother-in-law, uncle, and dear friend to many.
Once you were a friend of Tom’s, you were a friend for life.
One of my favorite memories about Mr. Potter. I went home from school one weekend with Stephanie. We stayed at her parents house. We were staying by his computer and I said “I’m going to go hop in the shower”. He turned to me and said “don’t fall”. I didn’t get it at first and he started laughing. The dad jokes were strong. Seems silly typing it out. But it’s been almost 15 years and it still makes me laugh ❤️
Tom was the greatest person in this world so God decided to take his butt out of this up screwed up world its sad when U lose somebody that U have know for over 45 yrs what a great pal& friend Danny
Tom was the the best brother-in-law I could have hoped for. I considered him my brother and a best friend. He was the favorite uncle. He meant so much to so many people. I once told him that he’s one of the smartest people I had ever met. And that was true. Always there for you, and always a smile on his face. I loved his hugs.
I can’t say enough about this good man, he was a true example of the greater good in mankind. Rest in peace Tom, you were loved by all your friends and family.