Memorial trees planted for:

Colonel Gerald (Jerry) Charles Potamis

Colonel Gerald (Jerry) Charles Potamis of Falmouth, formerly of Melrose, MA passed away suddenly on April 11, 2025, at the age of 78. Born to Gregory and Sarah (Varoutsos) Potamis of Woburn, MA, Jerry was the second of three children and had a strong Greek upbringing. In 1964, Jerry graduated from Woburn High School and went on to study civil engineering at Northeastern University. After graduating, Jerry continued his studies and obtained a master’s degree in environmental engineering. While in college, Jerry enrolled in the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) and, after graduating, joined the United States Army as a second lieutenant; he later became an Army Ranger. Jerry also met and fell in love with one Eugenie (Genie) Paraskeva whom he married in 1969. Genie accompanied Jerry to Nuremberg, Germany, where he was initially stationed. Shortly thereafter, Jerry went on to serve in the Vietnam War until 1971. After returning from Vietnam, Jerry and Genie settled in Melrose, MA where they raised their sons Gregory and Steven. Jerry continued to serve in the Army Reserves and subsequently served in two additional wars: the first Gulf War in Operation Desert Shield and later in the second Gulf War in Operation Enduring Freedom. After more than 30 years of military service, Jerry retired with the rank of Colonel in the United States Army. As a civilian, Jerry was an Environmental Engineer for the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Boston. The Colonel eventually retired from the EPA but continued to be active in the community by dedicating his free time to the local civic service in Falmouth as a Wastewater Superintendent and as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Community involvement was Jerry’s passion, and he continued to contribute as a Facilities Manager for the Falmouth Commodores, Town Meeting member, Falmouth Conservation Committee member, Greeter at the Falmouth Senior Center, volunteer at the Falmouth Track Club and Assistant Treasurer of the Falmouth Encore Organization. The Colonel was a man of honor, integrity and grit who filled the room with his jovial presence, awkward sense of humor, and his uncanny ability to strike meaningful conversations with complete strangers. Unequivocal were his generosity, patriotism, candor, and selfless approach to the community, family and friends. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Jerry was truly dedicated to the love of his life, Genie, who he was married to for 55 years. Their shared passion for Cape Cod eventually led them to Falmouth where they established a permanent home near the beach to enjoy retirement. Jerry leaves behind his beloved wife Genie, sons Gregory and Steven Potamis, together with their respective spouses Lynn Potamis and Nonna Akopyan, and four grandchildren Micaela, Ryan, Olivia and Ella. The Colonel was most proud of his children and grandkids. Jerry is predeceased by his parents Gregory and Sarah Potamis, his late brother James Potamis and brother-in-law John Balesteri. He is survived by his sister Katherine Balesteri of Bradford, MA, sister-in-law Mary Potamis of Woburn, MA and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will take place on Monday, April 21st from 4 - 7 p.m. at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 475 Main Street, Falmouth. A Funeral Service will take place at St. George's Greek Orthodox Church, 1130 Falmouth Road, Centerville on Tuesday, April 22nd at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the <a href="//thalassemia.org/Donate" title="Cooley's Anemia Foundation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cooley’s Anemia Foundation</a>, 330 Seventh Avenue, STE 200, New York, NY 10001 in honor of his grandson, Ryan, who has Thalassemia.

November 22, 1946 - April 11, 2025

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8 Trees have been planted in memory of Colonel Gerald (Jerry) Potamis.

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Memorial Trees

Anonymous

April 16, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Colonel Gerald (Jerry) Charles Potamis has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Chuck Riske

April 15, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Colonel Gerald (Jerry) Charles Potamis has been arranged by Chuck Riske. Plant a tree

Rest Easy my friend.

Bedell Family

April 15, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Colonel Gerald (Jerry) Charles Potamis has been arranged by Bedell Family. Plant a tree

Deepest condolences to the Potamis family - your dad was always wonderful to talk to when I came by the house. He will be missed -

Anonymous

April 15, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Colonel Gerald (Jerry) Charles Potamis has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Bob Tabaroni (COL-R)

April 15, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Colonel Gerald (Jerry) Charles Potamis has been arranged by Bob Tabaroni (COL-R). Plant a tree

Jerry, It was our privilege to know you and serve with you. You set the standards that we all tried so hard to live up to. My Compadre.

The Youngs

April 15, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Colonel Gerald (Jerry) Charles Potamis has been arranged by The Youngs. Plant a tree

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sully

April 15, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Colonel Gerald (Jerry) Charles Potamis has been arranged by Sully. Plant a tree

My deepest condolences to the entire Potamis family.

Matt and Rebecca Newman

April 15, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Colonel Gerald (Jerry) Charles Potamis has been arranged by Matt and Rebecca Newman. Plant a tree

You are in our thoughts and prayers, Love, Matt and Rebecca Newman