William E. Potter

OXFORD – William E. Potter, 86, of Locust Street, died Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence in Worcester surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ann T. (Grady) Potter of Oxford; two children, Donna M. Greenough of Charlton, and William M. Potter and his partner Eduardo Ramirez of San Antonio, TX; his brother, Donald W. Potter of Wisconsin; two granddaughters, Megan Afiri and her husband Sami Afiri of Palmer, and Kerry Greenough and boyfriend Rhylan Hopkins of Charlton; a great-grandson, Dawson Afiri; his best friend, Richard Chretien of Rhode Island; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Miriam Cunniff.

He was born in Providence, RI, son of the late Harold and Helena (Hartigan) Potter, and lived in Burrillville, RI, before moving to Oxford in 1973. He graduated from Burrillville High School in 1959. He proudly served in the U.S. Army stateside and in Germany from 1963-1965.

Mr. Potter was a achinist at Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, CT, for 36 years. Later, he worked at Central Mass Auto Auction for many years and also at Alpine Industrial Supply, both were jobs he truly enjoyed. He was an active member of St. Roch’s Church in Oxford, where he volunteered for the Annual Bishop’s Fund Drive. He also was a retired member of the Oxford Memorial Honor Guard.

Mr. Potter loved to play golf and belonged to golf leagues at Highfields Golf Club in Grafton and Pine Ridge Country Club in Oxford for many years. He played in the Oxford Jack Benny softball league for several years and back in the day played pick-up hockey in Rhode Island and Worcester. He coached Little League in Oxford for many years, guiding his team to be League Champions in 1986. He enjoyed caring for his yard and his vegetable garden, especially his tomato plants. In the warm months, he enjoyed spending time at his summer home on Cape Cod with family and friends. He loved to travel with his wife, especially to Aruba. He was an avid New England sports fan, but his favorite sporting events were always those of his children and grandchildren.

A dedicated family man, he had a rare gift for spreading joy. He will forever be cherished for his quick wit, genuine compliments, and unforgettable dance moves that never failed to make people smile.

A funeral will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, from Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Roch’s Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Roch’s Cemetery in Oxford. Calling hours are Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Partners in Charity, Diocese of Worcester, 49 Elm Street, Worcester, MA 01609.