PALERMO — Neal Richard Pottle, 78, of Palermo, Maine, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023, in Palermo. 

Neal was born in Freedom, December 11, 1944, to Robert G. and Esther (Reed) Pottle. He was raised in North Palermo and graduated from Erskine Academy. Neal operated as an independent truck driver for 45 years and then drove for JC Stone for the last 12. 

Neal shared his love of life with all who knew him. Infinitely curious, he was always investing his energy into new pursuits. He was a master of caveman physics and would jokingly say “I only understand about half of what I know.” This innate curiosity spread to sailing. For years he and Theresa moored their boat in Belfast Harbor and shared that experience with anyone who had an afternoon free.

Neal spent significant time and energy growing potatoes and later growing and milling wheat — thousands of pounds of wheat.

Neal was noted for his curiosity about generating electricity through hydro- and wind-power. At one point he attached a propeller to his 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit so he could calculate the RPMs and how much electricity could be generated. His grandchildren have fond memories of Penniless Creek where he made a small scale hydro-electric power generator, where, to their delight, he generated enough electricity to power a light bulb.

He also loved music and shared that love with his wife, children, and grandchildren. This love of music prompted the Friday Night Jam, and eventually led to the Family and Friends Bluegrass Festival. With kids running around, music and goodwill everywhere, Neal was in his element.  

Neal had a generous heart. He was giving of anything he had to everyone who crossed his path, full of a deep seated faith that encompassed his whole being. He was a long-time member of the Palermo Christian Church and served the congregation as an elder, a trustee, a Sunday School teacher, and a music leader. When the church needed a new steeple, Neal employed his North Palermo ingenuity and decided that his 5th and 6th Grade Sunday School class would build it. Neal and his class built, and raised the current steeple on the Palermo Christian Church.

Neal was the first call family members made if the car broke down, the pipes froze, or if you needed a house moved from Searsport to China. He knew how to fix your roof, plumb your house, and fix your battery. He was always ready with a story or joke. His loss will be keenly felt by all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Robert, Gerald, and Norman, and grandson Craig.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa, and children, Ken and wife Michelle, Elaine and husband Derek, Cathy and partner John, Tim and partner Katie; 9 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren, along with numerous “adopted” children and grandchildren.

Visiting Hours will be on December 8, 2023, from 2 - 4 p.m., at Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, December 9, at 11 a.m., at Palermo Christian Church, 322 Branch Mills Road, Palermo. The service will be live streamed. Check https://www.familyandfriendsbluegrass.com/ for streaming information.

In lieu of flowers donations can be given to the Palermo Volunteer Fire Department. Mail to Palermo Town Office, 45 North Palermo Road, Palermo, ME 04354, In Memory of Neal Pottle.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com.