William Patton

PATTON, WILLIAM "Bill," 83, passed away peacefully with his children by his side, April 17, 2006. He was born January 6, 1923 in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of Triphon Petemezas and Christin Caragiannis Petemezas. He graduated from Schenley High School in 1942, where he was known as "Patty" who loved "hot" music. During his youth, he worked at Forbes Field so that he could watch his favorite sports team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, at first selling peanuts until he was promoted to usher. Bill came to Miami Beach in the 1940's, and was employed as a bartender at various hotels. In 1952, he married Gloria Jacobs, who preceded him in death in November of 1999. In 1959 he became employed as a bartender by Joe "Big Daddy" Flanigan. This began not only a great working relationship for 46 years, but also a life-long friendship. Bill will always stand out as one of Flanigan's founding fathers, where he started as an hourly employee and rose to an executive vice-president and a member of the board of directors. He created a legacy of customer interaction that has been a model for personalized service. The reason for his success was simple: he loved the company and its customers. Everybody loved Bill, because he was genuine, and he had time for everybody and anybody at anytime. Bill was a longtime member of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of North Miami, where he served as Parish Council President. He was a member of the Masonic Golden Glades Lodge #334 in North Miami Beach and served as Worshipful Master. He served on the board of directors of Peoples Credit Union in North Miami. As vice-president of public relations of Flanigan's, he established great relationships with many civic leaders and police chiefs throughout South Florida, and was made an honorary police officer for the city of Surfside. He was also an honorary member and supporter of many local police benevolent associations. In September of 2001, Bill co-sponsored the Broward Community Crisis Response Team's mission to provide crisis intervention and services for the surviving families of 9/11. He was a contributor to the Salvation Army, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Bill was an avid sports fan. He was a long time season ticket holder of the Miami Dolphins, but his real allegiance was to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bill was a devoted husband, proud and loving father and grandfather, and loyal friend to many. He is survived by son Ted Patton, his wife Marsha, daughter Martha Patton, her partner Sheila Wood, daughter Crisa Halmoukos, her husband Konstantino "Gus" Halmoukos, son Nick Patton, granddaughters Demi and Nicole Halmoukos, Alexis and Alison Patton, and Cousin Connie Poulos-Matz, as well as many extended family members and friends. A memorial to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, April 24, 2006 at 2:00 PM, immediately followed by a reception at the Parish Hall at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 815 NE 15 Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 5005 LBJ Hwy. Suite 250, Dallas, TX. 75244. Toll free donation line 888-888-3317. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.herald.com/obituaries.