Martin William Potter, Jr., 84, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, September 11, 2026. Beloved spouse for 63 years to Carol Ann (nee Smith). Loving father of Kim Andersen and her husband James, Becky Dippolito and her husband Chris, and Elizabeth Budinich and her husband Craig. Caring grandfather of Olivia and her husband Jerome, Liam and his partner Emmie, Jack and his fiancée Katie, Rosie, Johnny, Charlie, Holly, and James, and great-grandfather of Evvy. Older brother of Joel Potter and his wife Rita, Tris Horton and Michael Potter (late Terri). Adoring uncle to his many nieces and nephews and a friend to all, especially the wild life in his backyard. He was predeceased by his parents Martin Sr. and Alice Potter, and his siblings Christine and Christopher Potter.
Martin was a proud veteran of the United States Army. After serving as a State Trooper in Alaska, he joined the Allendale Police Department where he served the community for 25 years, working his way up to the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded The Medal of Valor for saving a life. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow, as well as an Eagle Scout. Martin also loved antiques and auctions. He was an avid collector and folk artist.
Visiting hours are Wednesday September 16, 2026 from 4-7pm at Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale on Thursday September 17, 2026 at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Martin’s memory can be made to The Harrington Park Volunteer Ambulance Corp.
Martin you were a great guy, so full of stories and a great antique collector
You will be missed by all. To know you was to love you
Rest in heavenly peace.
Our condolences to the Potter family. Joel may he rest in peace.
Marie and Bill Hogan
Just got the phone call….my children and I will never forget your great support and kindness through difficult times especially over the last decade, Marty and Carol too…you’ve always been there to help, to chat, to laugh, so supportive of my son throughout his deployment overseas and everything he went through serving our country, Marty, you have always been most brave and of great character and courage, you have been a most wonderful father, husband, provider, grandparent and now great grandparent. You always did the right thing no matter how challenging and we all know that there were dark days in your career and some very dangerous situations that you had no warning and you came through. Your life was in imminent danger. Thank you for also never leaving a fellow soldier behind, the tough times show us what character and doing the right thing is all about. Thank you Marty (and Carol) for your great support during the deaths of my generous parents who were givers and truly cared about their kids and grandchildren and for your love towards the two new twin grandsons, was your birthday Marty, when we found out the twin boys were coming! In short, thank you for always being a hero. I’ve never ever seen you turn away from anyone who needed a listening ear or help you could provide. Your Eagle Scout award name is even in the borough hall in Harrington Park! You are so much appreciated and so much more than just a scout or a cop or a veteran, you epitomize the meaning of hero and public service professional. You always made your family #1 priority, I remember how you worked 4 jobs at one point to support your family and had zero help. You just did it, I can’t imagine putting 3 kids through college and all that tuition money and a mortgage and roofing your house and building your family room and working all those jobs at the same time. You’ll always be loved, even your granddaughter Olivia and her husband I met a couple summers ago sing your praises, no matter what…you and Carol were always there for them as well loving them. Thank you, love you until we all meet again.