Andrew Joseph Potts

Dr. Andrew Joseph Potts, last residing in La Jolla, California passed away on Friday, September 11th at the age of 94. The oldest of four children, he was born in July of 1932 in St. Clair, Pennsylvania to Andrew Potts and Anna V. Andy was a child during the Great Depression and was five years old when his dad, Andrew Potts Sr, died in a mining explosion in April of 1938. Andy was named most reliable in High School, had a passion for boxing and valued the importance of education to gain financial security.

He moved from Pennsylvania to Washington D.C. in search of work. He lived at the YMCA where he continued boxing and took up bodybuilding, winning the Mr. Central YMCA in 1958. While living in Washington, D.C, He worked at the Post Office while going to school part time. He attended and graduated the Washington D.C Police Academy in 1955 and contemplated taking a job in Texas as a border guard at one point.

Andy went to George Washington University where he earned associate and bachelor degrees in accounting, a business degree in 1960, an MBA in 1962, and continued on to complete a PhD program in 1977. He was also a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certificate Cost Analyst, and Certified Cost estimator.

Andy dedicated his professional life primarily to teaching college level accounting courses at George Washington University, George Mason University, and the University of Southern Maine.

A frequent traveler, for business and pleasure, including teaching accounting in Russia and Bulgari, he chose to retire in the San Diego area, as he found it to be the most beautiful climate in the world!

Andy was a lover of gardening and especially enjoyed tending to his roses and azaleas. Everyone loved his aviator glasses and Tom Sellac style mustache. Andy appreciated a good laugh and had a witty sense of humor.

His kids loved to try to scare him, and all hated having to pick up the magnolia leaves on the lawn EVERY day to keep the grass from dying underneath.

Andy is survived by his two brothers and one sister: Micheal Potts and his wife Jean of Texas, Robert Potts and Jean Potts both of Pennsylvania, and five children and two grandchildren; Ericka and Stephanie Potts of Maine, Marc Potts of Connecticut, Stephen Potts of Massachusetts, and Alexis Anderson and her two kids, Brooke and Jack of Massachusetts.

The family would like to thank Casa De Mañana residents and staff, and Lux Home care for the care and compassion they showed Andy during his final days. The family would also like to thank Linda Mansky and Diane O’Neill for their steadfast commitment in advocating for his health.

Per Andy’s request, his ashes will be spread at sea, where he will return to his beloved, Patricia

Rest in peace Daddy. We love you, forever and always. We will miss your Saturday calls.