2022. Born on August 12, 2005, he was a beloved son to Lee and Melissa Potter and a
treasured brother to his sisters, Emma and Maggie. In addition to his immediate family, Riley is
survived by his grandfather, Bernard Smith; his N-Anna Potter; aunts and uncles: Bradley (Mary
Lou) Smith, Sharon (Mark) Tareshawty, Jennifer (Michael) Pantaleano, Thomas (Patricia) Potter, and Joseph (Jane) Potter; first cousins: Heather, Nicole (Eric), Tiffany, Mark Jr (Stase),
Alexander (Amanda), Abigail (Jared), Faith (Howard), Avery (Maurene), Max, Sophia, Lindsay (Steven),
Carson (Shay), Laurin, and Davis; first cousins once removed: Hannah, Noah, Grant, Wyatt,
Mary Katelyn, Benjamin, Owen, Aisha, Charlotte, Riley, and Theadora. Riley is survived as well
by the extensive network of friends who have loved and cared for him like family. He was
preceded in death by his grandparents: Barbara Potter, Thomas Potter Jr, and Mary Joann
Smith; aunts and uncles: Michael (Kristi) Smith and Connie Smith.
Rare are the people who teach us about the complexities of love, and rarer are those
who do so by the simple grace of living. Riley's life is a blessing. Riley's strength, courage, and
tenacity proved that life, though fragile, may be lived purposefully and fully. Riley triumphed
multiple disabilities with the tender care of his family and friends, especially his mother, for the
duration of his miraculously long life. Riley felt peace when at the lake in summer, bundled up by the fire in winter, and particularly in the arms of his parents – always, no matter the season. He will be forever loved and remembered. Thanks to all who loved him.
In consideration of the health of their loved ones, the family will have memorial services
at a later date, and for now feel the care of their community from a distance. In honor of Riley's
life, the family encourages donations to Sutter Park Preschool in either of two ways:
Donations for their Possibility Playground fundraiser, which can be made at
https://sutterpark.memberhub.com/store/items/528562
Donations for the Riley Lending Library which will provide, among other resources,
adaptive technology to children with unique needs. These donations can be made by check
payable to Sutter Park PTA in honor of Riley Potter, mailed to 1850 Sutter Parkway, Powell, OH, 43065-9240.
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