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Matthew Daniel Potel, a 22-year old nature lover from Croton-on-Hudson, died Sept. 30 in a hiking accident in the Adirondacks. Potel apparently slipped into a ravine while trying to help his friends across.
Potel was born Sept. 20, 1989 in New York City to Mark and Cynthia Potel. He realized his enthusiasm for nature as a teenager and went on to make it his life's passion, training in wilderness and leadership skills at the National Outdoor Leadership School, joining friends at the Pok-o-MacCready summer camp and becoming a "46-er," someone who has hiked the 46 highest peaks in New York.
In addition to studying in the Environmental Studies Program, Potel served as president of the Binghamton University Outdoors Club while in school.
He is survived by his parents Mark and Cynthia Potel, his sisters Laura and Molly Potel, his brother Jason Potel, his grandmother Ruth Potel, uncles Douglas Funn and David Potel, aunts Christina Finn and Nancy Blum and his cousins Ben and Sam Potel.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday at 1 P.M. at the Temple Israel of Northern Westchester in Croton on Hudson, followed by interment at Bethel Cemetery in Croton on Hudson. Arrangements were handled by the Edward F. Carter Funeral Home.
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