John Joseph Potenziani, 76, was called home to the Lord on Nov. 6, 2013, following a short illness. He was born Nov. 10, 1936 in St. Johnsville, N.Y. to Alessandro and Yolanda Potenziani.

Following graduation from high school, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October of 1954.

He completed basic training at Bainbridge, Md. and then was assigned to VR-6 at McGuire AFB, a Military Air Transport Service unit for the next two years. From there, John went to “B” school in Memphis and then on to NAS Oceana.

He was stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for two years during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

In March of 1964, John arrived at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station and was assigned the Heavy 2 and the A-3, where he became and A-6 instructor-trainer. His next assignment was five years with VA-196 as the maintenance chief.

On May 24, 1974 he was married to the former Annette David.

John’s next duty was Maintenance Chief with COMMATVAQWINGPAC and then VA-196. John retired from the Navy on August 31, 1979 with 25 years of service.

He then began a second career, working for Grumman Aircraft as a tech rem, a position he held for the next 18 years.

John was a very active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Coupeville, serving as Sacristan for many years, a role he very much loved. John loved to read, go camping, wood working and spending time with family.

John is survived by his wife Annette, of Coupeville; by six children and their spouses: John Potenziani, Jr. (Kathleen), of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Michael Potenziani, of Sacramento, Calif.; Kevin Potenziani (Diane), of Kansas City, Mo.; Alessandro Potenziani, of Coupeville; Jenene Szuch, of Mukilteo and Charlene Hauge (Joseph), of Warren, Ore.; seven grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Mass for John Potenziani will be celebrated Monday, Nov. 11 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Coupeville with Rev. Paul Pluth, J.C.L. Celebrant. Rites of Interment will follow at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent. with full military honors.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences in the Book of Memories hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com