Clement "Pat" Patriarca, a 35 year resident of Camarillo, California, passed away suddenly at home on October 26, 2010 at the age of 86. His legacy is one of caring, generosity, and love of family.

He was born in Middlesex, New Jersey on November 23, 1923. After graduating high school he served his country in the U.S. Army's 701st Tank Battalion from February 1943 to January 1946. Prior to deploying for the European theater operations, he married his sweetheart, Rose De Paolo, in September 1943. Upon arrival in England to prepare for the D-Day invasion, he entered the continent in August 1944 near Cherbourg and St. Lo, France, and continued on through France, Belgium, and Germany. He was a veteran of battles of Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe, with victory in Gotha, Germany in June 1945.

Following his discharge from the Army, he and Rose settled down to raise a family in Middlesex, New Jersey. He earned his pilot's license in 1948, and shortly thereafter was employed in government service. He was transferred to California in 1961 with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. After living in Northern California for a short time, Pat and his family moved to Southern California where he continued to work for NASA until his retirement in 1985.

During retirement, Pat had many hobbies and pastimes which included the restoration of a British sport car, learning how to play tennis, and enjoying the company of his grandchildren, family and friends. More recently, he enjoyed his daily McDonald's gatherings and Friday night pizza with his friends.

Pat is predeceased by Rose, his wife of 65 years, and he is survived by three children, Dennis Patriarca of Oakton, Virginia; Diane Smith of Temecula, Calif.; and Thomas Patriarca of Ventura, California, and four grandchildren, Brittany, Bonnie, Steven, and Christian.

Memorial service and viewing will be Wednesday, November 3 from 5-8 p.m. at Griffin Family Funeral Chapel, 1075 East Daily Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010; phone 482-1166.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ventura County Star from Nov. 2 to Nov. 5, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Clement Patriarca

10 Entries

Lydia Rojas

November 4, 2010

I met Pat, when I was 16yrs old... He & his Friends would come in every morning, & have breakfast @ the Denny's in Camarillo. Your Father was a GREAT Man, & the stories... He always had the best stories, he will be Missed & FOREVER in our HEARTS. It was an HONOR to have met & known him...
Rest in Heavenly Peace, Pat. ???

Much Love,
Lydia & Family

Diane Smith

November 4, 2010

Dad,

Your services were yesterday and I expected that I would feel better somehow, with some kind of closure, because the sadness I felt was consuming me. I saw you for the first time since you left us and realized that what I saw was just the earthly vessel that housed the most wonderful father anyone could ever have. The incredible man you still are will live forever in my memory, and it's only my human selfishness that keeps me wishing you were still here with me. I know you are happy and with those you love who have gone before you. I will miss you every day of my life, but we will see each other again someday. I love you so very much.

Diane

Lisa Whitesell

November 3, 2010

Diane and Family, I have appreciated the great many stories shared with me, about Pat (and Rose) and have to agree with Brianna who identified the legacy left in their wonderful children. My deepest sympathy pours out to you in Pat's passing and I pray the heartache you feel now, in time, grows into comfort found in the hearfelt memories you will always have.

Sending hugs to the best huggers I know!

Jim & Sharon Exler

November 3, 2010

Pat and Rose have been our neighbors since 1988 and both were wonderful. I would often walk across the street when I would see Pat out walking the dog and we would talk. He always had something to smile about. We will miss Pat but we know he is now again with Rose.

Yvonne Smith

November 2, 2010

I had the honor of meeting both Pat and Rose 15 years ago. I saw personally the love they had for their family. What a wonderful and loving daughter they raised in Diane and what a beautiful family they have created in their children and grandchildren. Pat, you will be greatly missed.

Brianna Smith

November 2, 2010

From the times I have been around him, he has always been a very kind, generous, and warm man. No wonder he raised such wonderful children who went on to take what they have learned from their parents and create such beautiful, amazing children of their own. He has an amazing family legacy that he and Rose have created. They will both watch over you all from heaven, knowing the beauty and love they have created and instilled in all of you.

Robin Mateski

November 2, 2010

I met Pat many years ago. He was always very nice. Diane told me funny stories about how much he enjoyed eating. I know his family will miss him very much, but let it be comforting to know that he'll always be watching over all of you.

Karynn Leonard

November 2, 2010

I had the priveledge to meet Pat only a couple of times and found him to be kind and funny. I have experienced the special person he was through the daughter he raised to be a generous, compassionate, and intelligent individual. Celebrate his long and storied life! You are in my thoughts.

Diane Smith

November 2, 2010

Dad,

My heart broke in a million pieces the day you left us. I wish I could pick up the phone and call you one more time, tell you I love you, and hear you tell me, "I love you, too, baby, you'll never know how much." I do know how much, Dad, because I love you the same way. I hope you are enjoying being with Mom and Uncle Babe, and I hope you are laughing every minute. I love you and miss you so much, Dad. Your loving daughter, Diane

JOE AND MARY ALVARA

November 2, 2010

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

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