Aric Anthony Potochnik

Aric Anthony Potochnik, 34, of New Middletown, Ohio, passed away on October 25, 2016. He died peacefully in his sleep at The Cleveland Clinic, with his parents by his side, after a courageous and long battle against brain cancer.
Aric was born on September 30, 1982. Before his battle with brain cancer began, Aric was a third year architecture student at Kent State University. He was a bright, intelligent young man who surely would have rivaled Frank Lloyd Wright, his hero, had he been able to pursue his dream of becoming an architect. He was an outside-the-box thinker who made it through high school on personality alone, despite his brilliance, as many of his school teachers will attest to.
Aric had many talents and gifts; he was a self-taught drummer, although fortunately for his family, did not own an actual drum set until later in his life, when he lived alone. He was an accomplished artist, and often drew funny cartoons or painted pictures for his family and friends. He was a world-class juggler and he loved making others laugh.
Aric loved nature and being outdoors, and often hiked, cycled, canoed, and camped. He especially loved sitting outside on a nice evening and enjoying a bonfire, which is not surprising since he had been a borderline pyromaniac as a child.
Aric also loved to travel with his dad and his Aunt Joanne; they enjoyed many trips to the Dominican Republic and Florida’s Gulf Coast together, but his favorite trips were his morning coffee runs with his dad.
Aric also loved children, and had a special bond with his little neighbor friend, Trevor.
Aric will be greatly missed by his parents, Anthony and Karen Potochnik; his sisters, Kari Potochnik-McKenna and Katlin Potochnik; his niece, Olivia McKenna; his grandparents, Rose Marie Potochnik and Bill and Gerry Liggett; and his stepdad, Ron Book. He will also be missed by his cat, Louise, who allowed no one but Aric to hold her.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Kristen Joy Potochnik, and his grandfather, Tony A. Potochnik, Jr.
Visitation will be Sunday, October 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main Street, Poland.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 31 at the funeral home, with Rev. James Berkebile officiating.
And one hour visitation will precede the funeral service.
Please send condolences at www.beckerobits.com