David J. Patricio

Funny, charismatic, and easygoing, Dave Patricio had the gift of making friends wherever he went; his loyalty and compassion ensured that he kept them. Athletically talented, Dave enjoyed sports from softball and baseball to golfing and volleyball, both playing and watching. First and foremost for Dave, however, was his family, and he would have done anything to protect those that he loved. Daves strength, loyalty, and love live on in the hearts of all those whose lives he touched; he was deeply loved, and will be deeply missed. For the United States, 1966 was a tense year, best remembered for the space race with the USSR, increasing race riots, and heavy military involvement in Vietnam. For proud parents David and Francis (Villanueva) Patricio, however, 1966 had one even more momentous event: the birth of their son, David Joel, on June 1, 1966. The Patricio family lived in Muskegon, Michigan, where David Sr. earned a living delivering produce and Francis was a homemaker. Dave was the youngest of the family, and had five older siblings to look out for him: Dominic, Eva, Ricardo, Pamela, and Stephanie. Frances and David Sr. were both devout Catholics, and raised their children to have a strong faith. As a boy, Dave enjoyed playing Little League baseball, and showed unusual athletic talent from an early age. Tragedy struck Daves family in the early 1970s, when David Sr. passed away. Frances was left to bring up six children on her own, of whom the youngest was only seven years old. These were difficult years, but the older siblings banded together to take care of their younger siblings, and the family managed to pull through. After attending Marquette Elementary School and Muskegon Catholic Central Middle School, Dave went on to Catholic Central High School. This was a fun time for Dave, filled with parties, girls, the Ovals, and of course Daves car, a Chevy Nova. Dave played baseball throughout high school, and graduated in 1984. As a young man, Dave traveled all over Michigan and the United States playing softball. Later, he would go on to become a coach, and passed on his baseball wisdom to the next generation. Dave eventually became the Director of Health and Wellness at the Muskegon YMCA, a job he loved. He was an extremely hard worker, and often worked weekends and overtime without a word of complaint. He loved being around people, and was popular with members and co-workers alike. As the years went by, Dave became the proud father of three children: Christopher, Zarah, and Joel. In his free time, Dave enjoyed spending time outdoors preferably in the company of friends and family! He made many happy memories hunting and fishing at Grandpa Tims cabin, golfing with Uncle Joe, and gathering for cookouts at Uncle Martys place. Dave also loved hanging out at the beach, and could often be spotted stopping in for pizza at the Glenside Pub. No matter where he was, Dave was funny, charismatic, and had a hug and a kiss for everyone. Last year, Dave made amends, and made sure that his kids knew that he loved them. Sadly, four months ago he started to experience serious health problems Compassionate and loyal, hard working and stubborn, David was a friend to everyone he met. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members. Mr. David Joel Patricio passed away, surrounded by family at his home, on May 8, 2013, at the age of 46. Daves family includes his mother, Francis Patricio; his sons, Christopher and Joel Patricio; his daughter, Zarah Ambrose; his brothers, Dominic and Ricardo Patricio; his sisters, Eva (John) DeVoursney, Pamela (Dan) Dobberstein, and Stephanie (Dan) Baker, all of Muskegon; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, David. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 13, at St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church with Fr. Matthew Barnum officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Clock Funeral Home Muskegon, with a Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. Please visit Daves personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online memory book.