Robert J. Potts, age 74 of Conneaut, died Thursday, January 1, 2015 at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio.

Bob was born in Painesville, Ohio on July 18, 1940 the son of Ernest A. and Irene (Preston) Potts. He was a 1958 graduate from Harvey High School and went on to Wingate College and attained his Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Alderson Broaddus College. Bob worked for the Ashtabula City School System for 31 years, primarily at Columbus Junior High School teaching History and Math. He was also the basketball coach at Columbus Junior High School. Following a brief retirement, Bob worked at Cerni Motors, Greg Sweet Chevrolet and Prudential Life Insurance Company. He returned to work at the Ashtabula City School Systems and St. John High School, where he was a Special Education LD tutor for 12 years. Since 1980, Bob was in charge of the Scholastica Travel Tour Group where he took junior high and high school students on their spring and summer trips.

Bob was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish and attended mass at St. Joseph Church. He was always busy looking out for teachers and instrumental in the Collective Bargaining Association. He was a founder of "Uniserve" and also president for 25 years of the AATA. Bob was a member of OEA, NEA and the NEOEA, where he was also director of the State OEA and the National NEA and traveled to Singapore for the World Council of Teachers Conference as a director.

Bob loved the Cleveland Browns, Indians, Cav's and Ohio State. He was an avid reader and enjoyed outdoor activities. In years past he coached little league baseball in Ashtabula. He especially loved the time he spent with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a grandson, Christopher Steen.

Bob is survived by his wife, Patricia (Church) Potts, of North Kingsville, a son, Mark Potts of Madison, Ohio, four daughters, Diana and John Steen of Ashtabula, Beverly Potts of Kansas City, Kansas, Kristen Kern and Brian Cass of Sudbury, Ohio, and Megan and Josh Mead of Delaware, Ohio, one brother, Roby and Sheila Potts of Plymouth Township, grandchildren, Nolan, Regan, Michael, Andrew, Thomas, Danielle, Alyssa, Crystal, Candice, Derick, Matthew, Nathan, Kayla, and Isabella is on the way, two great-grandchildren, Nathan and Lily, along with several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 12:00 Noon at St. Frances Cabrini Church, with Father Philip Miller officiating.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Route 20, Conneaut.

Memorial contributions in Bob's memory may be made to Catholic Charities or St. Vincent De Paul Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Service Date: January 7, 2015

Calling hours Tues., Jan. 6, 2015 from 4 to 8 p.m.

 Service Information