Norwich University

A life-long Massachusetts resident, Joseph H. Potenza Jr. won an athletic scholarship to Norwich for football graduating in 1968 as an English major. In his senior season he was the sixth ranked receiver in New England. Potenza also played baseball for a season and served as an assistant coach in 1969. 

After graduating, Potenza served six years in the U.S. Army where he was a paratrooper earning the rank of Captain serving in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal. Eventually, he would end up working in healthcare after being discharged including working his way up to becoming CEO of LXU Healthcare. After the company was acquired by Integra LifeSciences Corporation in 2007, he stayed on as president of their worldwide surgical division.  

While Potenza was battling cancer in August, 2008, Norwich Director of Athletics Anthony Mariano traveled to Potenza's home in Hopkinton, Mass. to present him with his honor along with other members of the Hall of Fame committee, along with family members, classmates, and football teammates. Mariano said, "Of all the things that I have been a part of as Director of Athletics at Norwich, nothing has been more fulfilling and enjoyable as presenting Joe with his award. I am proud to have been able to honor Joe in this way." 

Potenza passed away on September 4, 2008. He is survived by his wife , Diana and their four children, Joey, Jennifer, Michael and Matthew. The couple has four grandchildren. "Joe Potenza was an outstanding athlete at Norwich University who was taken from much too soon. He was loving husband and father and touched the lives of so many people," Mariano said.