Gustin Potter, 79, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He leaves his beloved wife of 58 years, Laureen (Ploof) Potter; his son, Darrell Potter; his daughter, Jennifer Booth and her husband, Tyler; and his cherished grandchildren, Zachary Booth, Emily Booth and Madelynn Booth. He also leaves his brothers: Clifford Potter, Joseph Potter, Douglas Potter and wife Paula; his sisters: Jeanette Dugan, Elaine Spencer, Valerie Potter, Debbie Potter, and sister-in-law Jane Potter, the wife of his predeceased brother Blaine Potter. Gustin was also predeceased by his sister Caroline Murray. He leaves behind a multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Gustin, born in Ware, MA, was the son of the late Milton and Constance (Gustin) Potter. He graduated from North Brookfield High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy as a Corpsman Second Class.

On February 24, 1968, Gustin married his longtime sweetheart, Laureen, in West Brookfield. The newlyweds then moved to Oceanside, California, where Gustin completed his military obligations at Camp Pendleton. Upon returning to Massachusetts, they eventually settled in West Brookfield, where they made their home and raised their family.

Gustin earned his master's degree in business administration at Clark University. He then went on to a career in sales, a perfect fit for his outgoing, larger than life personality.

Always quick with a joke or story, Gustin believed that “strangers are friends you haven’t met yet.” He was always chatting it up with people in public places and doing whatever he could to get a smile or laugh.

An avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan, Gustin loved cheering on his favorite teams. Attending games was an adventure, whether egging on the rivals at Yankee Stadium with “colorful” cheers, tailgating before a Patriots game with his brothers, or indoctrinating his son-in-law and grandson with the tradition of having the Red Auerbach statue kiss the tickets for luck before a Celtics game.

Above all, Gustin treasured his family, immediate and extended. He loved finding “secret spots” and adventures for his children. No destination was out of reach, as he carried his son over sand dunes, into hot air balloons, or over rock outcroppings. When they were young, Gustin loved spending time with his grandchildren, building snow forts and go-carts and exploring the cranberry bogs or swampy marshes of Massachusett’s Southcoast. There was nothing quite like seeing him around his 9 siblings at family gatherings. Usually one of the first to start a round of singing “Star of the Day,” he was always in the thick of story telling, poking fun, and dancing.

In 58 years of marriage, Gustin and “the lovely Laurie” created a solid bond that transcended his disease. Even as he was robbed of his memories, he instinctively reached out for her hand and knew she would always be there.

His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

All are invited to attend his calling hours on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10am-12:00 noon at Varnum Funeral Home, 43 East Main Street, West Brookfield, MA 01585 with a celebration of his life to begin at 12 noon in the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, 24 New Braintree Road, West Brookfield, MA 01585.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gustin's memory may be made to: Chip's House, 9 Park Avenue, Centerville, MA 02632 or at: www.chipshouse.org