John G. Potyrala Jr.

Niskayuna- John G. Potyrala, Jr, 86, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on February 18, 2024, following a long battle with ALS. Born in Cohoes, NY he was the son of the late John and Anna Potyrala, Sr. Enlisting at the age of 17, he proudly served in the United States Air Force as a Military Policeman from 1955 until 1959. He worked for the Norton Company in Watervliet, NY as a machine operator from 1959 until his retirement in 1993.

He was married to Elizabeth (Hamm) Potyrala for 38 years until her passing in 2001 and was later joined in life by Elizabeth Looney. Throughout the year he enjoyed yelling at the NY Giants and NY Mets through his television or attending Siena basketball games. He was an avid golfer and bowler, displaying trophies he had won over the years. He passed down his love of quirky comedies to his daughter and grandchildren, often laughing the loudest in the room or movie theater. A lifelong creator, he used woodworking to show his love to his family through unique furniture pieces he gifted. A devoted family man fondly known as Grampie, he spent his retirement years helping to care for his grandchildren. Acting as a chauffeur for sporting practices and after school activities, there wasn't an event for his grandchildren that John ever missed. He lived his own version of Planes, Trains, & Automobiles through his grandchildren; taking them to watch the planes land at the airport, building model trains to run on working tracks in his basement, and taking many road trips throughout the Northeast. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with those he loved.

Those left to cherish his memory, daughter Joanne (Brian) Mulligan. Grandchildren David (Nick) Mulligan, Michael (Jen) Mulligan, Sarah (Zeyad) Yaghi and Sean (Sheila) Mulligan. His devoted brother Kenneth Potyrala. His loving companion Elizabeth Looney, as well as her daughters Andrea Looney and Jennifer (Michael) Kobylar. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Calling hours 11-1pm will be held, Sunday February 25, 2024 at New Comer Cremations & Funerals 343 New Karner Road Colonie, NY 12205. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday February 26,2024 held at 11:00am held at Christ Our Light Church 1 Maria Drive Loudonville, NY 12211. Interment to follow Memory Gardens Cemetery & Memorial Park Cemetery 983 Watervliet Shaker Road Albany, NY 12205




Those who wish to remember John in a special way may donate to the ALS Association at: donate.ALS.org The family would like to thank the entire staff at Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center for the dedicated care John received.