John B. Potochnik, 91, of Hilliard, passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at his home after a long illness.

John was born in Turtle Creek, PA, the son of the late John W. and Bernice Zupancic Potochnik. He grew up in Turtle Creek, and after graduating from high school, he worked in the area as ground crew for the FORT PITT Blimp and the Union Railroad. In 1953, he joined the U.S. Air Force and proudly served for six years.

He was stationed in Limestone, ME, at Loring Air Force Base. After receiving an honorable discharge in the late 1950s, he and his family relocated to Jacksonville, settling in the San Mateo area. Shortly thereafter, he began his career as an Air Traffic Controller at the old Imeson Airport on Jacksonville’s northside, eventually transferring to the Air Traffic Control Center in Hilliard when it opened.

While living in San Mateo, John served as the assistant scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 408, where he enjoyed scouting with his two sons. John never met a stranger and was affectionately known as "Pappap" and "Grandpap" by his grandchildren.

In 1969, he and his family moved to Fernandina Beach, where they lived for many years before finally settling in Hilliard, FL, in the early 1990s. While living in Fernandina, John was a founding and active member of the Fernandina Beach Pirates Club. Hunting and fishing, being two of his passions, led him to be an original member, former president, and treasurer of the Turkey Town Hunting Club near Kings Ferry.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Norma LaRue Potochnik, and his brothers, Robert and Lawrence, as well as his sister-in-law, Nancy.

He leaves behind his sons and their wives: David and Vickie Potochnik of Port Orange, and Robert and Mary Potochnik of Fernandina Beach. He is also survived by his brother, Ventzel, and his wife, Susan Potochnik of Detroit, MI; a sister-in-law, Mary Potochnik of Palm Beach, FL; grandchildren Matthew, Andrew, Scott, and Austin; and great-grandchildren Eli, Owen, Raylan, Rhett, Chloe, and Kaila.

John’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to Community Hospice & Palliative Care and its team: Julie, Kristeen, Chad, Belinda, Vincent, and Marvin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to CommunityHospice.com in John’s name.

John will be laid to rest with his wife at Jacksonville National Cemetery, where he will receive military honors from the U. S. Air Force on Thursday, October 2, 2025 beginning at 11:30 AM. His life, love, and legacy will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.



"A letter to Dad"
August 30, 2003
Dear DAD,

As we celebrate your 70th birthday, it would be impossible for me to put into words how much it means to have you as my father. I thank the Lord that He has blessed me through your life. Thinking back over the years, you were always there when our family needed you. You provided for our family through love and hard work.

There’s not a day that goes by that your guidance and teaching does not impact my life. You taught me an appreciation for the world around us. From the ocean, rivers and swamps to the woods and mountains, you opened my eyes to the wonders of God’s creation. The sound of the wind in the trees, the faint hoot of an owl back in the swamp or the waves breaking on the beach mean so much more because you took the time to open my eyes and ears to the world around me. If you had not showed me how to slow down and observe, how would I have ever seen the deer quietly moving through the palmettos, the snake slithering through the grass or the red-tailed hawk soaring above the trees. The beauty of a quiet sunset, the sparkling of the stars on a cold clear night will always be cherished because of you.

Not only did you open my eyes to the natural world, but you also prepared me for the real world. To stand for what you believe, to be a man of your word and do what you say that you will do. You taught me the importance of responsibility and leadership. As I go through life and think about the people that depend upon me, they can because I could always depend upon you. There are times when a person must follow, but there are times when a man must step forward and lead. Your guidance has given me the confidence to know the difference and the courage to act.

Growing up, I always thought that you knew everyone. You always treated people with respect and concern. A stranger was only a friend you had not yet met. I don’t think you can count the lives that you’ve impacted with you life of guidance, caring, generosity and sacrifice.

I thank you for the care you’ve given to my mother the last several years. I can’t begin to imagine how difficult a task that has been for you. As I sat in her hospital room, she turned her head and said: “I don’t know what I would do without your father.” How fortunate my mother, brother and I have been under your care and watchful eye.

Lastly, I want to thank you for being such a wonderful Grandfather to my sons. How much richer their lives will be because of you. As you and I played horseshoes last month. I thought back to the time I spent with my Grandfather (you father) pitching horseshoes in the field back behind the house, climbing the apple trees and picking the grapes. You’ve lovingly given those kinds of experiences to my sons.

It is my prayer that in the years ahead, that the Lord would bless you with health and peace. Time to watch your family grow and share precious moments with us. Time to be thankful for all God’s richest blessings in our lives and yours.

I Love You,

David