Simon 'Pete' Potoeski, 59, passed away Wednesday August 12th at Arnot Ogden Hospital, Elmira Ny after a hard-fought battle with Cancer surrounded by his wife and children.

Simon was born March 9, 1967, in Nanticoke, Pa; The son of Thomas M and Dorthy (Long) Potoeski Sr. He attended Northwest Area Highschool in Shickshinny Pa. Simon joined the Army (National Guard) in 1984 and was honorably discharged in 1992. He was proud to serve his country, and it was an honor to him. He worked from an early age for Dave's Sanitation, Airport Sand and Gravel, Maria Joseph Manor and JP Mascaro until 2002 when a heart attack led to disability status. After moving to New York in 2002 he helped at Hurd It All Garage with mechanics and Watkin Glen Raceway during race season. Simon was an avid hunter, fisherman and dabbled in mechanics, otherwise he was a great supporter of all his children and grandchildren. They were his life, his whole being. There wasn't anything Simon wouldn't do to help others if he could.

Simon married on July 3, 1989, to Melissa M (Cragle), they celebrated 37 years lovingly together, they were always together and supported their children and grandchildren. Simon was a cherished father to Joshua R. Potoeski Sr, Woodhull NY, Kristen E. Warrick, Youngstown OH, Melissa Ann Potoeski (Christopher), Woodhull NY, and Joseph M. Potoeski (Cassasndra) Woodhull NY. Many children were added throughout the years that were not biological, but he loved them as his own. Roberta (Bobbi Sue) White, Denton NC, and Kelly Gower, Brooksville FL were very near to his heart and only to name a few. Simon is also survived by his brother Thomas M Potoeski Jr, Plymoth PA, Timothy Potoeski, Sweet Valley PA, Anthony (Diane) Potoeski, Hunlock Creek PA, Brad Potoeskie, Plymoth PA, Theresa (Randy) Gray, Plymoth PA, Ann (Mike) Harrison, Benton PA, Frank Lange, Painted Post NY, Lori Lange, Woodhull NY. Also, Brother-in-Law James Deyo Sr, Hunlock Creek PA, Robert 'Dave' Jones, Shickshinny PA, Jean Ann (Dale) Gordon, Bloomsburg PA, Gina DeRosa, Bath NY, and his adopted 'Momma' Ella Mae Herrington, Woodhull NY. Grandchild Ayden, Madison, Christopher, Jovanna, Kaylee, Donzella, Larinda-Jo, Malcolm, Joshua Jr. Dakota, and Kinsley. Also, many adopted grandchildren, all of whom he cherished and loved greatly. Simon is survived by several nieces and nephews, of whom he cherished them all.

Simon enjoyed camping, and when he was able to, going on cruises with family and friends. His biggest passion was supporting his family.

Simon was preceded in death by his parents, sister Leatha Deyo, best friend Joseph Plish, Tony Monero, Sister-in-Law Melinda, Brother-in-Law Jeff, and In-Laws Joseph Cragle, Joyce (Hartman) Cragle and France (DeRosa) Cragle, also goddaughter Margaret Shoemaker.

Simon was cremated and a celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 3pm at Community Church, Woodhull with Rev. Brian Diffenbacher officiating, a gathering will take place following at Woodhull Community Center Gym.

Also a celebration of life will be held in PA on Saturday August 29th, 2026, family will post detail.

Funeral arrangements are with the Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Canisteo.

To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.