Paul H. Potter ’55

Paul was one of three generations of Princetonians, part of a medical family, a sailor, and an adventurer. The son of Milton Potter 1919, Paul was born Jan. 23, 1933, and died March 13, 2017, in his native Buffalo, N.Y.

One of three brothers who comprised the sixth generation of physicians in the family, he was a decorated Vietnam veteran and was much loved by Navy Seals because he would chopper to wherever they were injured to treat them in the field. With his brother, M. Grosvenor Potter, he practiced medicine for more than 40 years in Buffalo and Orchard Park, N.Y.

Among Paul’s many adventures were trips over the Alps in a hot-air balloon, one of which ended in a crash and two nights spent on a snow-covered mountain before being rescued. An accomplished sailor, he sailed throughout the Caribbean with family and friends.

In retirement, he lived more than half of each year on Cliff Island, Maine, where he had summered as a child. There he sailed the coast extensively on the Banshee, a boat shared with his brothers.

Known for his generosity and kindness, he supported others but preferred to remain behind the scenes and deflect credit.

He is survived by his sister, Molly, and 10 nieces and nephews.