William Potvin Obituary

William Lee Potvin

May 16, 1930 - March 13, 2026

William Lee Potvin, formerly of Hudson Falls, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026.

Born on May 16, 1930, in New Rochelle, N.Y., he was the son of the late Dr. Mitchell L. Potvin and Annabelle (Glass) Potvin of Hudson Falls and Cleverdale, N.Y.

Bill graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1949 and went on to attend Rider Business College in Trenton, N.J. Throughout his career, he continued his professional education by completing numerous banking and finance courses. He proudly served four years in the United States Air Force, stationed in Okinawa, and was honorably discharged.

Following his military service, Bill began a distinguished 32-year career in banking. He served as Vice President of Home and City Savings Bank and later as branch manager of Trustco Bank in Queensbury, N.Y., before retiring.

On August 18, 1956, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Tremblay. Together they built a loving home and raised six children, sharing 66 years of marriage filled with family, devotion, and partnership.

Bill was an active and dedicated member of his community, generously giving his time and leadership to many organizations and institutions playing an important role in the community he was proud to call home.

He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus in Hudson Falls and served as a member of the Usher Society at St. Mary's Church. Bill also devoted himself to civic service, contributing his time to the Kingsbury Zoning Board and supporting local charitable efforts as Chairman of the Heart Fund for the Town of Fort Edward. His commitment to community service was equally evident through his work with the Hudson Falls Kiwanis Club, where he served both as President and Secretary.

A significant part of Bill's public service was his dedication to higher education. From October 1984 to October 1998, he served on the Board of Trustees of SUNY Adirondack. During his fourteen years of service, he held several leadership roles, including Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer. He chaired the Audit and Finance Committee, the Policy Manual Development Committee, and the Nominating Committee. In recognition of his contributions and leadership, Bill received a prestigious award for Distinguished Service to Community Colleges in New York State.

Bill also enjoyed socializing through his involvement in local clubs. He served as President of the Tee Bird Country Club and was a longtime member of the Glens Falls Country Club, where he formed many lasting friendships. He looked forward to his Thursday and Saturday tee times with his buddies.

He was an avid sports fan who followed his favorite teams with lifelong loyalty. He cheered faithfully for the Los Angeles Dodgers-remaining devoted to the team from its days as the Brooklyn Dodgers-as well as the Boston Celtics. Above all, he was an enthusiastic and dedicated fan of the New York Giants.

Bill also cherished time spent with friends and family. During the summer months, he especially enjoyed relaxing with a cocktail while cruising on beautiful Lake George, one of his favorite ways to unwind and enjoy the company of those around him. Bill and Lyn enjoyed spending their winters in St. Augustine, Fla. where they formed additional friendships and cherished visits from their children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events.

Bill was predeceased by his wife, Lyn; his brother, Joseph Potvin; sister-in-law, Norma Potvin; and brother-in-law, William Mather.

Left to cherish in his memory are his brother, Dr. Mitchell Lee Potvin; sister, Anne Marie Mather; and sister-in-law, Patricia Potvin. His six children, LeeAnne Colvin (Tony) of Hudson Falls, Lynette LaPan (Peter) of Clifton Park, William L. Potvin Jr. (Penny) of South Carolina, Michael Potvin of Framingham Mass., Jeffrey Potvin (Lisa) of Lutz, Fla., Janette Fowler (Jim Nassivera) of Ballston Spa. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren, Shane Colvin (Emma Rozell), Bryce Colvin (Echo Cutter), Eric LaPan (Alyson), Jacob LaPan (Molly Trinkoff), Todd LaPan, William Potvin III (Tela), Nicholas Potvin (Danielle), Kyle Potvin (Chelsea), Jeffrey Potvin II (Megan Boyle), Haylie Potvin, Rachel Fowler (Todd Smith), Lauren Fowler; and four great-grandchildren, Emilynn Potvin, Camden Varner, Cora Potvin and Everett LaPan; 10 nieces and five nephews and their families.

The family wishes to give a sincere thank you to Angela Starks and Susan Blair for their years of dedication and caring support. We would also like to thank the staff at Fort Hudson Rehabilitation Center and Home of Good Shepherd for all of their care and support.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 80 Saratoga Ave., South Glens Falls, N.Y. The mass will be live streamed at the Church's You Tube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoRmh9joNvRgNRZFfSKWKBA.

All are welcome to attend and pay their respects to the family at a Celebration of Life following Mass 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Common Roots Event Center, 62 Saratoga Ave. South Glens Falls.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Alzheimer's Disease Association, 1003 Louden Road Cohoes NY 12047 or Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs NY 12866.