Jerry Thomas Potenza, 92, of Somerville, died August 13, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.
He was born December 16, 1933, in Houston, to Howard Francis Potenza and Marguerite Louise Warbasse Potenza.
He graduated from Reagan High School in Houston in 1952.
Jerry married the love of his life, Nevelyne Hall Neal, on June 29, 1954.
At Nevelyne’s death in 2020, they had been married 66 years.
Jerry joined the U.S. Navy in 1953 and served until 1957.
While on a Navy ship bound for Japan in January of 1956, daughter Denna was born. Jerry was away overseas for nine months before meeting his daughter.
During Jerry’s naval service, he sustained a serious injury to his left hand and required intensive occupational therapy to strengthen the tendons.
His therapy was in the form of leather work using traditional tooling methods. Over his lifetime he made many beautiful leather pieces including purses, belts, wallets and framed pieces.Aspecialty of Jerry’s leather work designs was roses.
After being discharged from the Navy, Jerry and Nevelyne welcomed three more children, Tom, Steven and James.
For many years, Jerry worked as a draftsman for a structural steel company in Houston. He also worked in sales promoting seismic drilling maps.
They raised their family in Alief. After retirement Jerry and Nevelyne moved to Lyons, living there for close to 30 years.
Jerry was always active in worship and church service as a deacon. At his death he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lyons.
Survivors include children, Denna Hardin (Potenza) and her husband, David, of Round Top, Thomas Potenza and his wife, Rhonda, of Cleveland, Steven Potenza of Lyons, and James Potenza and his wife, Gina, of Pearland. Jerry is also survived by brother, Raymond Potenza and his wife, Sandy, of Lebo, Kansas; sister-inlaw, Paula Neal, of Porter; four grandchildren,Andrew Hardin and his wife, Emily, Janie Potenza, TJ Potenza, and Tabetha Mann Smith and her husband, Ronald; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Francis Potenza and Marguerite Louise Warbasse Potenza; daughter- in-law, Kristin Potenza; sister-in-law, Betty Potenza; and brother-in-law, Bill Neal.
Pallbearers were Tom Potenza, Steven Potenza, James Potenza, David Hardin, Andrew Hardin and TJ Potenza.
A graveside service and burial at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery in Houston with full military honors in recognition of his service in the U.S. Navy was held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Memorials may be given to the AMEN Pantry in La Grange, First Baptist Church of Lyons or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings.
PHILLIPS & LUCKEY FUNERAL HOME 3950 E. Austin St. Giddings, Tx 78942 979-542-3113