Huntington High art teacher Robert A. Potter dies at 47

Huntington High School art teacher Robert A. Potter loved to inspire his students to create beyond the classroom.

"He really connected with his students," said his wife, Jan. "He did a wonderful job drawing out their creative thought process and how to live creatively regardless of what they wanted to do."

Potter, 47, died Monday of a heart attack he suffered at his Northport home. He had taught at Huntington High School since 2006, and before that he had worked for pop artist Peter Max.

Huntington High School officials said Tuesday that psychologists and social workers were called to the high school to help students mourning the loss of the very popular teacher.

Principal Carmela Leonardi said that Potter was the type of teacher who knew everyone, not just the students in his class.

"We are very saddened . . . and praying for his family," she said.

Potter and his wife have a 6-year-old daughter, Isabel.

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"He loved her. He supported her and thought she was the light of his life," Jan Potter said. The couple had met at their 20th high school reunion.

Robert Potter grew up in South Huntington and attended the local schools, graduating from Walt Whitman High School.

He studied sculpture at Pratt Institute and worked for Peter Max for 17 years. He earned a master's degree in art education from Adelphi University and taught ceramics and sculpture at the high school.

"Mr. Potter was a valued member of our family and was very well-regarded by his colleagues and students. Our hearts go out to his wife, Jan and young daughter Isabel. His loss leaves a huge void at Huntington High School," Superintendent John J. Finello said in a statement posted on the school district's website.

Although he was only in his fifth year of teaching at the school, Potter had made a significant impact on Huntington High School, school officials said.

"He was a great listener and took time to help everyone with anything that they needed," said Joan R. Fretz, district director of fine and performing arts, in a statement posted on the school's website.

"He embraced every child that entered his classroom and took special interest in those who were not succeeding elsewhere.

"Everyone had a home in Robert Potter's classroom. Students found a constructive and meaningful way of expressing themselves there.

"He encouraged them to create art that was symbolic of their thoughts, interests and beliefs."

In addition to his wife and daughter, surviving him are his mother, Mildred, of Tampa; his two brothers, Bruce and Alan, both of Huntington; and a sister, Karen Reed, of Tampa.

Visitation will be 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Friday and 2-5 p.m., and 7-8 p.m. Saturday, with a service following at 8 p.m. at Brueggemann Funeral Home in East Northport.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to donorschoose.org.