Ronald R. Potempa, 81, of the Lutheran Care Community passed away on Friday, June 22, 2018. Ronald was born in Utica on April 24, 1937, a son of Mary Bartkowiak. Ronald served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War. For many years until his retirement he was employed as a New York State Corrections Officer. Ronald was a parishioner of St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church, Utica. For many years Ronald participated in the ride for missing children and the Big Brother program in Oneida County and was very proud of the fact that he served as the first big brother in the program. Ronald is survived by his four sisters, Joyce and Karl Schmidt, of Marcy, Jacqueline Smith, of New Hartford, Joanne Bartkowiak, of New Hartford and Sharon and Frank Nasutovich, of New Bern, SC. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Mr. Potempa’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at 11:00 at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church, Utica. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. There are no calling hours. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Lutheran Care Community, especially Sonya for all the loving care shown to Ronald.