Thomas John Potenza

The Reverend Dr. Thomas (“Tom”) John Potenza passed away peacefully in Port Royal, South Carolina on
May 25, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife Kay Ellen (Plagee) Potenza and his parents Vincent
Potenza and Doris (Jahntz) Potenza. He is survived by his daughters Jennifer (Potenza) Wegener and
Meghan Potenza, his son Jared Potenza and his grandchildren Sara Potenza and Aiden Wegener. He is
also survived by his brother Richard Potenza and sister Linda Potenza Colby.
Tom grew up in Downers Grove and he graduated from Downers Grove North High School in 1963. He
then attended Northern Illinois University for his undergraduate studies and subsequently received his
PhD in Theology. Tom served as pastor for the Northern Illinois Conference of the First United Methodist
Church, and he had the great privilege of serving churches in Downers Grove, Plainfield, Barrington,
Lisle, Orland Park, Elgin, and Glen Ellen.
Tom and Kay most recently lived in both Port Royal, South Carolina and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Tom
enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling, reading, and boating. Service was Tom’s
passion and, in addition to the work he did as a pastor, he enjoyed serving on mission trips in locations
such as New Orleans, Haiti and Panama, to name a few. Tom left his mark on everyone that he met. His
dedication to his church, its mission and its members were what drove Tom and his love for his family
and friends were what mattered most.
A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Downers Grove, Illinois on June
23, 2023 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations can be made to the United
Methodist Volunteers in Mission, Backpack Buddies, Help of Beaufort, or the Beaufort County Animal
Shelter.