Robert J Potter

On Wednesday February 21st, 2024, we said goodbye to Robert J Potter Sr. As a resident of Long Beach Island, NJ for the last 55 years, Bob was a devoted family man and an integral thread in the fabric of the community.

Bob was born in New Rochelle, NY to Robert and Rita Potter on July 4, 1945, and was the older brother to his sister, Cathy Gunsten.

If community service statistics were written on the back of a card, his would show a Hall of Fame career. During his time on earth, Bob protected and served in multiple capacities. During the Vietnam War, he served as a Communications Squadron Sergeant in the Air Force. He went on to begin his career as a Police Officer for Harvey Cedars, then for Long Beach Township Police Department where he retired in 1994. During this same period, he served as a member of the Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company, a portion of which he served as Chief as well as Trustee. He furthered his involvement within Fire Safety by becoming an Ocean County Fire Academy Instructor. He also served the town of Ship Bottom as the Emergency Management Coordinator as well as a term on the City Council and was a longstanding member of the Rotary Club, where he served a period as Chapter President. He then started a local business which is still in service today. Along with these documented positions, he spent countless hours volunteering his time within the community.

A true gentleman and mentor, with an unforgettable laugh and a way about him that made anyone he encountered feel loved. He will be sorely missed.

Bob leaves behind his beloved wife of 51 years, Carol, his loving children; daughters and sons-in-law Ruth & Glenn Houman, Patti & Bill Gresko and sons and daughters-in-law Rick & Kellie Karolkiewicz and Robert & Kelly Potter as well as his cherished grandchildren; Melissa, Gary, Jeff, Sara, Maggie, Cody, Robbie & Kayla and his precious great grandchildren Reese, Logan, Aubrey & Lucas. He was predeceased by his sister Cathy Gunsten

We invite friends, family, and community members to the 11 am Mass on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, NJ. All are welcome to join us to celebrate Bob’s life at the Ship Bottom Fire House following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Bob Potter to the Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company 2006 Central Ave, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008 or by visiting https://givebutter.com/SBVFC for an electronic donation.

If you would share a thought or memory about Bob, there will be time to do so at the fire house following the mass.

To leave online condolences and fond memories of Bob for the Potter family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com

Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.