Obituary of Gary Allen Potenzone Sr.

Potenzone, Gary A. Sr. age 62 of Totowa passed suddenly at home on January 7, 2014. Born in Newark, he was raised in Bloomfield and made his life with his family in Totowa Borough for the past 40 years where he played an active role as a resident. He was the Owner/President of Apollo Cards & Flags, Totowa. Mr. Potenzone was a major supporter of the United States Military and was involved with the Adopt-A-Soldier Program. He provided United States flags to honor the remains of the deceased servicemen that were removed from the 9/11 site as well as supplying numerous families with remembrance items and he contributed countless US flags to the Iraqi and Desert Storm Wars. He was a member of the NJ Honor Legion and was a Silver Card Holder with the PBA. He was a major benefactor of the NJ State PBA, the NJ State Police, and countless local police and fire departments. He was a dedicated supporter of D.A.R.E. and provided floats to the annual Memorial Day Parade where he also served on the 100th anniversary parade committee. He was a true American patriot and had a special place in his heart for all veterans. Mr. Potenzone, known as "Big Gary" to his countless patrons of his landmark store, was well known for his generosity and infectious smile. He contributed countless donations to local schools, organizations, and charities, as well as the local Republican Party. He was a selfless man with a heart of gold. For many, he was also known as "Pappa", "Big Daddy" and "Boot" for his larger than life persona and his protective fatherly demeanor. He was an avid concert goer and loved all music especially Doo Wop. Mr. Potenzone was the rock of his family and will be missed by many. Beloved husband of Deborah (O'Connor) of Totowa. Loving Father of Officer Gary Potenzone, Jr. and his wife Jillian of Totowa, Dina Vigorito and her husband Sam of Wayne, Kimberly Aliano and her husband Giovanni of Totowa, and Kristin Tomasello and her husband Joseph of Totowa. Loving "Poppa"of Alexandra Vigorito, Shawn, Dante, and Gianna Potenzone, Enza & Nino Aliano. Devoted Brother of Albert Potenzone and his wife, Jo-Anne of Totowa, Jean Stella and her husband, Anthony of Sayre, PA and the late Carlo Potenzone. Caring brother-in-law of Qurita Potenzone of Hamburg. Loving uncle of several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. He is also survived by many godchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Life Tribute Celebration for Gary at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd, Totowa, on Monday at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Laurel Grove Memorial Park, Totowa. Friends visit Saturday and Sunday 3:00 - 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to Adopt-A-Soldier or Shriners Hospitals for Children. For more information, go to www.festamemorial.com.