David Joseph Edmund Potvin, 79, of East Hampstead, NH, entered into eternal life on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Exeter Hospital, in Exeter, NH. He was born on March 16, 1947, to the late Joseph Potvin and Leona (Cormier), in Rumford, Maine.

To hear him tell it, David spent most of his childhood outdoors. He enjoyed the time he spent playing with his siblings and friends in the woods of Maine. His parents owned the local general store, which doubled as the unofficial headquarters of David's young social circle, and the family lived above the shop. As a young man, David left Maine and entered the St. Anthony Friary, in Hudson, NH, where he spent several years connecting more deeply with his faith. He left the seminary and later met and married his first wife. In 1975, they moved to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, where David taught children for two years at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, before returning to settle in New Hampshire, which became his home. Later, he met his second wife Kathy (Murray), and they married in 1989; he was devoted to her for the rest of his life.

In his free time, David enjoyed cooking and spending time by the campfire. Animals always held a special place in David's heart, and he was always sure to help an animal he saw in need. David loved laughing, teasing, cracking not-too-rude jokes, and he was a terrific storyteller. Perhaps above all, those who knew him will remember that he sang beautifully and was a remarkable guitar player, two gifts he shared generously with others.

God and David's faith in Jesus Christ were the guiding principle throughout his life. He was a communicant of Saint Anne Church, in Hampstead, NH, for many years.

David's family was his priority and pride. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with his children and grandchildren. David was always proud of each and every member of his family and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. A kind and gentle soul, David was always there to lend a hand.

In addition to his wife Kathy, David is survived by his children: Joseph Potvin, and his husband Armin Molavi, of Wellesley, MA; Lauren Potvin, and her partner Rick Waddington, of East Hampstead, NH; Elizabeth Potvin, of Minot, MA; and Jonathan Potvin, and his husband Joseph Goodliffe, of Jamaica Plain, MA. He is also survived by his brother Ray Potvin, and his partner Patti Saarinen; his grandchildren: Kameron, Christian, Connor, Charlie, and Addie; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, David is predeceased by his sisters Marie, Teresa, Claire, and Rita.

Friends and family are invited to a Funeral Mass on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10 AM, at Saint Anne Church, 26 Emerson Avenue, Hampstead, NH 03841.To view the livestream, please use this link . Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Hampstead, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: World Vision, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit: www.carrierfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087.