Matthew L. Potocki, Sr.92, of Huntley, died peacefully, November 23, 2023.
Matthew was born January 31, 1931 the son of John and Lucy Potocki. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1951-1953 in the 7th infantry division. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening. Matthew especially enjoyed his vegetable garden and cutting a rug with his beautiful wife, Delight.
He is survived by his sons, Matthew (Kathy) Potocki, Thomas (Paula) Potocki and Daniel Potocki, his six grandchildren, Brett, Ashley (Nate), Krista (Tom), Christopher, Annalise, and Joseph (Elizabeth), his great granddaughter Alanna, as well as by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife, Delight.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 9:00am until the time of the 10am service all at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Fisher House Wounded Warriors Project Tunnels 2 Towers
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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As a young boy, I was always so proud that my father served in the military. Keeping it clean and interesting, you never tired of my request, "Tell me an army story dad". I also have many fond memories of all the fishing trips you took us on and hope to go fishing with you again someday. Thank you for all the life lessons you taught me throughout the years. Always the hard worker and providing for us, the time has come at last to rest peacefully. Love Dan.
My father in law was a unique person. I marveled at his intelligence with “mind math” he could do playing cards and teaching his grandchildren certain games including Poker with cards he had from the casino. He spoke several languages fluently. His cunning and tactical skills allowed him to live through intense battles in Korea earning him honors. I recall a day he took me around Chicago showing me his old stomping grounds from his youth. He said it was very nice having a daughter instead of just sons as he chivalrously opened my car door. In his youth he was such a good looking guy that was from the rough streets of Chicago. He played the part well! Later in his life I saw he loved the beauty of artworks, the care of plants, and being out in nature. Give him a fishing pole and he was happy. Life was not always good to him, it left it’s scars. He tried his best though to be the family man he wanted to be. My sympathy to his sons and grandchildren he leaves. We will miss you Dad… and yes, I still have the plant in my home from the cuttings you gave me❤️ Love, Kathy
Papa, I am so grateful to have had you as my Papa. I have so many happy memories from our times together. I miss going on walks, swimming, playing cards, and going on drives with you. I loved taking a "short cut" that was always longer so we could spend more time together. I loved hearing all of your stories and when you were silly and trying to make us all laugh. Thank you for teaching us all how to garden, play farkle, fix things and poker. I love you so very much and will remember what a wonderful grandfather you were to us. I'm grateful for your service and for keeping us safe. I'm blessed to have been able to have had you as my Papa.
Dad, So very grateful to have had you in our lives. Your work ethic and knowledge were unsurpassed. I will always remember you teaching me to fix so many things. (holding the flashlight), how to hunt and fish, and hopefully, how to be a good Grandfather (Papa). Although the last few years have not been kind to you, that has now passed, and you can live in paradise. With all my love, Tom
Tom, Dan, Matt and Potocki Family, I had the pleasure of working with your Mom and Dad for over 30 years. They would visit me at the LaSalle Financial Lakeview Branch many times before they moved to Sun City. I loved hearing their stories of going dancing and enjoying their children and grandchildren. I was saddened to hear when Dee passed away and now Matt. I can imagine them dancing in heaven. My deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sally Blume-Kelly
Dad, you welcomed me into your family from the moment we met. I cherished your perseverance, strength, intelligence, bravery and attempts at trying to teach me to dance. You were a wonderful Grandpa (Papa) and always found a way to let each of your grandchildren win at cards. I was thankful for the resilience, grace and ability to love that was instilled in your boys. They are a testament to you and Mom; in that they have shown amazing strength in their lives. Over the last 13 years, our bond as father and daughter became even stronger. You would share many things with me from the war, childhood, your jobs, raising your children and your many health concerns. It was my honor to take you to the VA Hospital and Doctors appointments. The impact of interacting with our country’s heroes is humbling and a priceless gift. So, to my hero, thank you for coming back. For without you, this family wouldn’t be here. 9. 1 Peter 5:10 “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” I am thankful that you are finally at rest and no longer suffering. Love, Paula
Sorry to hear you passed old timer. I remember when you were young and I - even younger. You raised 3 awesome boys- My best friend on the planet was Tom. Loved watching your attention to detail as you gardened, cleaned the pool and insisted that the work was done before the play time started. You always treated me with such respect. Go easy Soldier.