Richard Gardner Potts

In addition to his wife, Lynne, he is survived by daughters from his first marriage to Janis Beers Bernard—Amy Potts (Derek Riemer) of Westford MA, and Amanda Wallis (Johnathan) of Virginia; beloved grandchildren Gwen and Caroline Riemer, Maggie and Lydia Wallis; brother Robert Potts (Sarah) of Virginia; sister Nancy Smith (Westy) of Colorado; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Richard was born in Laramie, Wyoming on July 24, 1942, the eldest son of Robert and Bettie (Hootie) Potts.  He was raised in Essex Fells, New Jersey and graduated high school in 1960, during which time he was a proud member of the DeMolay bagpipe band.  Richard attended Princeton University and graduated with a B.S. (1964) and M.S. in Civil Engineering, and an M.S. (1967) Computer Engineering.

Richard began his professional career at a start-up computer company in Massachusetts before settling at Arthur D. Little (ADL) consulting firm, where he worked for many years.  He was a programming expert in research and development who was sought after to work on high tech and sensitive government contracts. Through ADL he consulted with the Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) where he met his second wife.  He later joined the staff at MIT/Lincoln Labs and through his work there, supported government national security efforts.

After his retirement in 2004, Richard enjoyed serving on multiple town committees in Pepperell, including finding town administrators and researching funding for an eagle figurine for the town hall.  He continued his spirit of community involvement as Director of Pepperell Community Media. He was very proud that he and his team built the cable casting organization into a model copied by other towns. He worked on projects like establishing video studios in local schools and filming educational, civic, and entertainment events. He took great joy in this work, which he continued until his recent health decline.

Richard was known to all for his kind, gentle ways and thoughtful insights. His curious intellect, strong moral compass and endless determination allowed him to get to the root of any problem and find the answer.  He always enjoyed working together with other people to tackle big challenges. His hobbies included building computers, ancestry research, and rescuing cats and dogs (and an occasional flying squirrel). 

To his brother and sister, Richard was a co-conspirator and the leader of their pack showing them the way. To his wife, he was a devoted life partner and helped to heal and rehabilitate stray animals. To his children he was an understanding and loving guide who led by example. To his grandchildren, he was a cool grandpa always up for a game of fierce badminton or an ice cream cone. 

We wish to acknowledge and greatly appreciate the outpouring of support from the Pepperell community.  Special thanks and gratitude to his caring team from Pathways Hospice and caregivers from Lyas Helping Hands Nursing Care Services.  

Friends and family will be received on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 1:00-3:00pm at the McGaffigan Family Funeral Home, 37 Main St., (Rte. 113) Pepperell, MA.  Remarks will be given at 2:00pm, to include anyone who wishes to share their special memories. Memorial contributions can be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA (https://www.northeastanimalshelter.org/)or the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org/).