Ricky E. Potlaski, 68, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Ricky was born on September 8, 1958, in Lyons, New York, the son of Henry and Shirley (Pollay) Potlaski. He graduated from Clyde-Savannah Central School and went on to work at Xylem in Auburn as a systems repairman.
Ricky was a hardworking man to a fault, someone who never shied away from putting in the work and doing what needed to be done. He was funny, stubborn, and generous, with a personality that those who knew him will never forget. He had a way of making people laugh, a determination that was unmistakably his own, and a generosity that showed in the way he cared for the people around him.
Ricky loved the outdoors and found happiness in the simple things in life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, and bowling. He also loved working on cars and riding motorcycles. Whether enjoying the open road, spending time outdoors, or celebrating with family and friends, Ricky treasured the moments that brought people together.
In later years, Ricky faced the difficult challenges of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. His journey was not an easy one, and these illnesses gradually took away many of the things that had once been such a big part of his life. But they never changed who he was at his core, nor will they ever define the man his family knew and loved.
Ricky is survived by his loving wife, Roxanne (Hanna) Potlaski; his sons, Shawn and Preston Potlaski; his sisters, Dawn Waldron and Patricia Marriott; his brother, Tim (Tammy DiSanto) Potlaski; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be deeply missed by his family and all those whose lives he touched. In addition to his parents, Ricky was predeceased by his brother, Michael Potlaski, and his brothers-in-law, Leon Waldron and Larry Marriott.
Life has a way of reminding us how precious and unpredictable our time here really is. We never know when our time will be up, or when an ordinary day will become a memory we would give anything to experience one more time. We often take for granted the time we have with the people we love, never knowing how much we will wish for just one more conversation, one more laugh, or one more day together.
Remembering others from the community
Though his time here has come to an end, the memories he created, the lessons he left behind, and the love he gave will continue through the family he leaves behind.
Rest easy, Dad. No more struggles, no more pain. You will always be loved, always be remembered, and never be forgotten.
Until we meet again.
Calling Hours and Services
Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Norton-Mull Funeral Home, 13081 W. Church St., Savannah, New York. A funeral service will immediately follow the calling hours.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Savannah Fire Department, 1170 Route 89, Savannah, New York.
Burial will take place in Caruso Cemetery at the convenience of the family
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