Christopher Paul Potanas, DVM, DACVS-SA, 40, of Naples, FL, passed away peacefully following complications after surgery on January 15, 2022 at Tampa General Hospital, in Tampa, FL.

He is survived by his wife of 14.5 years, Robyn Lyn, and his children, Connor Christopher (5 years) and Brennan Paul (2.5 years). He also leaves behind his mother Maryanne Kieszkowski and family, his father Peter Mark Potanas and family, his sister Erin Bortel and family, his parents-in-law Donna and Philip Jobbagy, and his sister-in-law Holly Haveles and family, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and close friends.

Christopher was born in Queens, New York on November 10, 1981. He graduated from Granville High school in Granville, NY (1999) and Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT (2003). He went on to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University (2010) before completing 5 years post-graduate work to become a board-certified veterinary surgeon. He was employed with Southwest Florida Veterinary Specialists in Bonita Springs, FL, worked as a consultant with Arthrex, and was proud to participate with many agencies in the southwest Florida veterinary community including the Naples Humane Society and the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens.

Christopher was loving, charismatic, loyal, and had an amazing sense of humor. His proudest accomplishment was his family and being a Daddy. His children were his best friends, and they had an amazing bond. Chris’s kind spirit and big bear hugs will live on through them.

Services will be held on February 5, 2022 at 10am at St. John XXIII Church (13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912). A Celebration of Life will follow, beginning at 11:30 am, at the Saturnia Lakes social hall (1310 Saturnia Grande Dr., Naples, FL 34119).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Christopher’s name to the Naples Humane Society (hsnaples.org) or Valerie’s House (valerieshouse.org).