WAREHAM – John Anthony Potito, 81, of Wareham passed away at home on April 19, 2023.  He was the husband of Rosary Ann (Wilbur) Potito and the son of the late John A. Potito, Sr. and Shirley (Blanchard) Laflamme.

He was born in Springfield and lived in Wareham for over 50 years.

Mr. Potito served in the United States Coast Guard from 1960 to 1982, retiring as Chief Engineer. He was a Vietnam War Veteran.  After retiring from the Coast Guard Mr. Potito worked as a teacher for Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in the marine services department and as an Assistant Harbormaster for the Town of Marion.

He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and taking his dog Chico for walks.  He also enjoyed wintering in Florida where he was a representative of the Florida mobile home association.  The Patriots, Giants and Red Sox were among his favorite sports teams to watch. He especially loved dancing to music from the 50s and 60s.

He was a member of the Rusty Nuts Car Club and enjoyed taking his 1967 Plymouth to shows with his wife and car buddies.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Rosary Ann (Wilbur) Potito; his children, Jeanne Tetrault and her husband Paul, Glynn Potito and his wife Pam and Andrew Potito and his wife Ann all of Wareham; his siblings, Richard Laflamme and his wife Louise, Lori Cole and her husband John and Renee Laflamme all of western MA, and Wayne Laflamme of Florida; 6 grandchildren, Mollie Griffin and her husband Ryan, Stephanie Tetrault, Naomi Correia and her husband Joshua, Noah Tetrault, Debra Potito, Cherlynne Joseph and Ethan Potito; 9 great grandchildren.  He was the brother of the late Donna Bassette.

Visiting hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave., Bourne.  Please go directly to the cemetery and arrive at 9:45 a.m. Plan according due to bridge construction and traffic.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the ASPCA, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929 or online at aspca.org in memory of John, who was a lover of all kinds of animals.