Nicholas Potter ’73

Nick died Dec. 2, 2024, in Santa Fe, N.M., of ALS. In his own special way, Nick exemplified “Princeton in the nation’s service and in the service of humanity.”

Nick came to us from Evanston Township (Ill.) High School, where he starred on the soccer team and was awarded the school’s highest scholarship prize. He was a stalwart on the Princeton varsity soccer team, lettering all three years, and his teammates remember his work ethic and sense of camaraderie. Among his roommates were Jim Shook ’74, Rob Mancuso, Dave Martin, Tom Tate, Chris Leach, and Drix Neimann. He was briefly a member of Cannon. He majored in history and minored in English.

Nick was the proprietor of Nicholas Potter Booksellers, an independent used bookshop. The store was an essential part of the Santa Fe community for decades. After the shop closed due to his illness, many tributes noted his unfailing friendship to all who came into the shop. In a Jan. 18, 2012, PAW article headlined “Internet be damned: Nicholas Potter ’73 sells books the old-fashioned way,” he said: “Every day I have the pleasure of putting a book in the hands of someone who is going to appreciate it. I’m sort of the keeper of that book, until I find the right home for it.” He also had leadership roles in Santa Fe’s art and music communities.

Nick was devoted to his daughter, Aryana, who said in a letter to him: “When I count my blessings, having you as a father has always been at the top of my list. Not only are you my dad and hero, you are my best friend.” He also leaves his former wife, and six brothers and their families. We give thanks for Nick’s friendship and service and extend our condolences to his family.