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Pat DiNizio
1955 - 2017
Pat DiNizio
1955 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1955
DIED
2017
Pat DiNizio Obituary
The band announced on Facebook that DiNizio died Tuesday. The cause of death was not announced. DiNizio posted several days ago that he was hopeful of getting back on tour as he continued physical therapy for neck and back injuries at the Victorian farmhouse he was restoring in Scotch Plains. The Smithereens peaked in the late 1980s-early 1990s, but continued to tour and record, their more recent albums including "2011" and "The Smithereens Play Tommy."
Band members said on Facebook that their "journey with Pat was long, storied and a hell of a lot of fun."
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DiNizio helped form the Smithereens in 1980 after placing an ad looking for a drummer to help him on a demo tape. Dennis Diken answered the ad and with him brought Carteret High School classmates guitarist Jim Babjak and bassist Mike Mesaros. They named themselves after a favorite word of cartoon character Yosemite Sam.
"We all happened to love the same music and also as importantly be fans of the same pop culture things," DiNizio told SugarBuzz Magazine in 2007. "We grew up watching Soupy Sales, Chuck McCann and The Monkees. We all grew up reading Mad Magazine and there was a shared background. So we agreed upon all of that."
Influenced by everyone from Buddy Holly to the Clash, the Smithereens blended catchy melodies and grinding guitars on "A Girl Like You," ''Only a Memory" and other songs. Their breakthrough came in 1986 when "Blood and Roses" was featured in the movie "Dangerously Close" and the song's video was aired on MTV. DiNizio was a movie fan whose stylish ballad "In a Lonely Place," featuring Suzanne Vega on backing vocals, included lines from the Humphrey Bogart movie of the same name. The Smithereens also made a cameo appearance in the 1980s cult film "Class of Nuke 'Em High."
Written by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Copyright © 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
565 Entries
David Allen
January 17, 2026
Miss you Pat.
Stephen Speelman
December 9, 2025
Miss you Brother, thank you for letting me into your world. I will never forget you kindness and amazing spirit.
John Pentecost
December 8, 2025
Miss his songwriting and playing. So happy to have met Pat on a few occasions. God bless him and the Smithereens for continuing his legacy !
Don Carballo
December 8, 2025
I’ve met Pat on numerous occasions including some of his backyard barbecues and will forever cherish those memories. I still listen to your music on a regular basis and will always remember the good times.
How you can show support
Scotch Plains graduation class 1973
Randy Hauser
December 8, 2025
What great music Pat gifted us, I’m fortunate to have personally known Pat.
Phillip Fleming
July 11, 2025
I had the privilege of meeting Pat at The Howard Theater in Washington DC ten years ago.
Nicest guy I ever met
Rest in peace
Phil Fleming
May 20, 2025
I had the rare privilege of meeting Pat at The Howard Theater in Washington DC.
He was a super nice person and he was very humble.
I was sorry to hear about his passing.
-Phil Fleming
Hollywood California
Thomas V Merlo, Jr
March 15, 2025
With Love in the Humility Christ Our Lord bring Mr. DiNizio into the Light of Thy Countence and number him among the just. Through the prayers of all the Saints have mercy on us for as He is a loving, merciful God loving mankind. Am´en. Thomas Victor Merlo, Jr in humility and love. Kyrie Eleison Am´en.
Joe G
February 23, 2025
All-time favorite New York City rock band Pat DiNizio was just classic.
Anna Michelle Sautner
December 8, 2024
Paddyyou are loved and missed.
XOMugs
David Brown
December 8, 2024
Still miss you Pat
Laura Gavan
December 8, 2024
I saw the newly formed Smithereens last night (12/7/24) at Carteret PAC. When they played Blood and Roses, I closed my eyes and pictured you singing it with your smooth, silky voice. I’m still missing your storytelling on stage. Your presence is missed! Laura Gavan
Ana Milos
September 24, 2024
In 1986 I heard "Blood and Roses" & loved it. Still listen to it today. I´m still shocked he passed. It´s sad:(
December 13, 2023
Loving your Christmas album. Been a few years, but still miss Pat. Warm thoughts to all who knew Pat.
Laura Gavan
December 9, 2023
Pat, you and your silky smooth voice are still missed. I can guarantee you met many friends in Heaven and are making music for all to hear. Keep rockin’ in eternal peace.
VINCENT CARLSON
December 8, 2023
An incredibly kind person and a musician I admired for what seems like forever. Pat, I miss you!
Don Carballo
December 8, 2023
Still missing you all these years later. Hard to believe it’s been six years.
Al Mele
May 18, 2023
I just discovered Pat and the Smitherines. They were incredibly melodic and tight. I was blown away by their catalogue of works and considered them a top notch American band I don’t know how I missed them all these years. But, better late than never..
Diane Price
January 15, 2023
Listening to The Smithereens tonight and I immediately thought of your silky smooth voice.
Jim Gagnon
December 9, 2022
❤
Don
December 8, 2022
You’re missed today and everyday Pat. Your music lives on and reminds us of the good times.
Jim Gagnon
December 12, 2021
Thinking of you today
Joe Reagoso
December 8, 2021
You were always one of the finest folks I ever knew and one of the funniest guys I ever worked with in the music business. I think of you and the Smithereens brethren often, especially all those fun times working you and the guys all those years.....we miss you brother Pat. May God Be With You Always! Your pal, Joe
John Gaffney
March 26, 2021
Still listening to your music today -- it is eternal and will be with me for the rest of my journey. Thank you, Pat, for a lifetime of listening.
Michael Grenier
December 8, 2020
It’s been 3 years since we lost Pat . I truly miss the big guy. The Smithereens did a lot of shows in Londonderry NH . The first Smithereens show I saw was in Boston Ma spring of 1986 . I ve been to many shows . I got to meet Pat and the band many times ., I
Got an e mail from Pat just days before he passed away . I was shocked to hear he passed . I’ll be a Smithereens fan for life and Pat DiNizio called me his friend. I’m very proud of that . God Bless the Smithereens.
Valerie Vardell
December 8, 2020
Thanks for the memories...
George Brice
December 8, 2020
Thanks for the Great Music. A Great Talent gone.
Steve Miller
June 26, 2020
Pat DiNizio was one of the good guys.
glen puhalovich
June 13, 2020
I discovered Pat along with the rest of his band on a hot January night 1986 in Freemantle Australia as a 23-year-old.To this day , with Pat's voice and that sound , you are my Beatles.R.I.P Pat.
Joseph Anderson
May 14, 2020
I miss Pat lots. A Smithereens show with Pat on lead vocals was something to truly look forward to. Pat had one of the best voices on the planet.
Brian Allen
January 26, 2020
Pat had a special relationship with his fans that can be easily summed up, we loved him and he loved us back. An amazing talent gone too soon and much missed. Rest in peace Pat, thank you for all you did for us. We will always love and miss you.
Alex Fenizio
December 13, 2019
Miss you - and your infectious grin. Youre the best!
Jim Gagnon
December 12, 2019
2 years already since we lost Pat - time passes so quickly - we as fans of both Pat and the band surely reminisce almost everyday the wonderful music these talented individuals gave us - so thankful
Cara Crain
December 11, 2019
I recall one special night with the SMITHEREENS! (It was in Memphis, so I didn't have to travel somewhere that time.) Pat grabbed my hand and pulled me up on the stage during the show!! Of course, I tripped over the monitor. I had some terrific bruises, too--LOL!
The guys were staying at the Radisson downtown and Pat asked me to meet him and Dennis, Mike, and Jimmy for a drink after the show. I followed their tour bus downtown and then waited for them outside their hotel. Then we went someplace that was still open and had drinks. Pat was always asking the fans to socialize with him and the other band members after the shows. I'm truly blessed to have known him.
Ron Santos
October 29, 2019
I bought him a drink at the Belly up Tavern in San Diego. Best concert I ever! I love ya man.
Cesare Danesi
August 3, 2019
great singre great man
Jim Hoffmann
May 22, 2019
Pat DiNizio was quite the talent, an innovator. His music will live on forever. Condolences to his family, especially his daughter, Liza.
Greg Lara
March 20, 2019
Sad to hear this, not sure how I missed this news. My daughter and I saw the Smithereens in May of 2017, and just as I suspected, Pat's music spoke to her just as it did to me back in the band's heyday. My sympathies to Pat's family, friends, and bandmates.
Roger Pruim
May 29, 2018
I had the privilege to see Smithereens twice and was a big fan of Pat. My condolences to family and bandmates!
Rick Dauer
May 27, 2018
Pat, you and your talent brought me and my family many hours of wonderful enjoyment. We have seen The Smithereens many times and loved listening to your albums. God Bless and rest in peace.
Gael M.
May 20, 2018
Ohhhhhh Pat. Even as I write this you are already gone but I can't get you out of my mind as I am still shocked over your passing. Well, heaven has a new angel now. I wish I met you and I wish we had each other in each of our lives. You were truly talented, no--GIFTED. A musical genius. Still today the songs of Smithereen's first album 'Especially For You' hold up fantastically, such great songs that are timeless. Your ever smooth voice is like silk to my ears. I can't get enough of you! I love you Pat. I always will. Your friend Gael.
Shirley Moore
May 9, 2018
For a man fronting a band writing and singing about angst and the great hurts life can dish out (and his passing was one of those), Pat Dinizio was one of the most well-loved, even cherished, musicians on stage. I hope that all of these messages of his embracing warmth and the love he returned to his fans brings a large measure of comfort to his family and bandmates. I've written in the guest book before, but felt compelled to write again, reading the endless stream of condolences and stories, and seeing their accompanying pictures. He truly was one of a kind and clearly will be missed by a multitude. I do hope Pat realized while he was still among us how much everybody loved him! May the pain of his passage be eased by this outpouring of affection - take care all!
Pat and myself (Kangs) in 1990 in New York. I was 18 and starstruck! Pat was so great and down to earth. I'm holding a coconut that Pat drew a picture of himself on. Pat, you'll be missed.
Kangs Trevens
May 8, 2018
Alan Alford
May 6, 2018
A stunned fan of music, I literally just learned of Pat's untimely loss. Pardon my ignorance - I'd like to extend condolences (even at this late time) to the Dinizio Family still. His gift of music will live on - not only through the unknowns like myself - but through our children as well. I've been thinking lately about The Smithereens, how I'd love to see them live again (it's been many years since I've seen them play in Del Mar, Ca), not knowing if they were still together or touring all these years later. Unfortunately that will not happen. What a great band. My young teen musician son has been inspiring me to reopen the musical vaults of greatness after he has been sifting through the old record and cd collection - and coming out with many old memories - like the song says. The Smithereens was and is going to be something I share with him, truly great music. An example in songwriting that he is only just learning. The hooks, the melodies, the structure. Pat's voice was unique, he just sang. You don't have to be some crazy wide ranging opera singer to make great rock and roll music. In a world of so much garbage music, Pat and The Smithereens were so underrated in my view. I don't know what to say, other than Pat's legacy will live on forever through the generations - through his musical beauty, and now this sadness of his passing... Thank you for this gift.
Kangs Trevens
May 4, 2018
Pat, I met you in 1990 when I was 17 and interning for WBCN. Backstage you signed my jacket and I wore it proudly for years. I think I met you 3 other times at shows the next two years and you remembered me. As someone else said, the most non-rockstarish rockstar. Heartbroken to hear of your passing-just found out tonight. Condolences to all.
Larry Amorin
May 1, 2018
Saw Pat and the band at a free concert in Carteret park it was great always like the band my friend Joe D'Angelo play with Pat in Plainfield where he grew up rest in peace Pat you will be missed
Beatle Bob
April 2, 2018
Pat, your virtuosity and intense and loving care of carrying the torch of rock and roll will never be forgotten. Not only a superlative songwriter, guitarist and singer but all around good guy.
Ariel Roga
March 2, 2018
Pat,
Although you are gone, your music will live forever so you will never really die. I can't begin to tell you how much your music meant to me. From the 80's to the 90's to my recent divorce, your music has connected with me in ways that no one else's can. I was fortunate to have seen you before your passing at the May 26th, 2017 concert at BB Kings Blues Club in NYC. I am attaching a photo for everyone to remember you by. Long live The Smithereens!!!
R.I.P. Loved Pat. <br />Thanks for Everything!
Raul Cabral
February 25, 2018
I listened to The Smithereens for the first time
in Argentina in the late 80's, I've been a fan
ever since. In 2004 I came to live in the USA
and I was fortunate to see several concerts
and meet Pat.
I can also say that I had the privilege of shaking
your hand, see his smile and always listen to
kind words, like those of a good friend.
Therefore I join the recognition for our friend at
that we will always remember with a smile and
enjoy his music that is his beautiful legacy.
Patrick Coty
February 25, 2018
I recall how generous he was talking to fans after a show I attended. He will be very missed.
Marybeth Mank
February 24, 2018
Just found out about Pat's passing...am so heartbroken for his family, bandmates, friends and fans like me. I've been a fan of the Smithereens since '85 or '86 when I first saw/heard them on MTV. I was fortunate enough to see the band perform live only once and that was when they performed a free show at Dallas Alley in the West End, Dallas, Texas...still one of my top 10 concerts ever. Pat was an interesting, engaging individual who I would've loved to have met and counted as a friend. His legacy will live on with the seriously cool music he and his bandmates left us. My deepest condolences and prayers I send to his family. He was gone well before his time and he will be missed. Thank you, Pat, for sharing your gifts with us.
Joseph Anthony
February 17, 2018
Thank you for all you gave us.
Christine Peace
February 15, 2018
My deepest sympathies to Pat's mom, Jim, Dennis and Severo and all the many, MANY friends and fans Pat had. Rest in peace, Pat. Thank you for your music and for being the man you were.
Mike Boyd
February 14, 2018
Thank you Pat for all of the great music your wrote and fantastic live shows. Your music will live forever.
Keith G.
February 8, 2018
I first met the band in Florida during the 80s when I worked for their record distributer Capitol-EMI. We did
In-stores and the band was great to work with. I must of
Seen them play 10 Times including fall 2017 with the
Motels in Minneapolis which was a great show. It was my pleasure to promote their product. They were one of my favorite groups to work with- very professional.
Robert Sullivan
February 4, 2018
RIP, Pat, and thanks for the great music. You will live on forever, God Bless you and your family...
George Tice
January 29, 2018
I just now found out about your passing.your music was part of my life growing up.i didn't know you where a jersey boy like me.im from Asbury park.you from Plainfield.sorry to hear of your passing.see you on the other side.brother.
M. Lodi
January 28, 2018
I will always cherish the great performances by a most underrated band and a most deserving individual. I always knew that I would have a great time when The Smithereens came to town and after each show, I felt good and happy in the time that followed.
Thanks Pat - you are missed!
Keith Liker Robin Daus
January 28, 2018
Thank you, Pat for enriching our lives with your wonderful music for many years. The last time we met, you told me to "trim your beard" -- which I did shortly after. Thank you for being an inspiration for us.
A blessing upon you now and always. You will always be more than "Only a memory."
Lovingly,
Mark Lindsay
January 27, 2018
One of the great yet underrated rock artists of our time, Pat Dinizio made a major impact on college rock stations nationwide with The Smithereens in the 1980's before making a worldwide impact in the overall history of rock music. To say he will be missed is an understatement. God's speed, Pat.
Sam Simione
January 27, 2018
Pat:
You were an musical inspiration to me. I saw you live on many occasions. The sound and style of music that you and the Smitheerens created were the back drop of my life in the late eighties and early nineties. I covered some of your songs with my band back then.
May god bless your soul!
Robert Gray
January 22, 2018
So incredibly sad to hear of the loss of a real musical talent in Pat Dinizio. So many memories of the Smithereens; the videos and the live performances. Prayers for the family and friends as we celebrate through music.
allen everette
January 19, 2018
met pat and the group at centennial park on a Saturday afternoon they played about 90 minutes leaving everyone wanting more concert was the highlight of my year pat was especially friendly and all 4 group members signed my cd, pat was the warmest and my favorite smithereen what a voice what passion. blood and roses will always make me think of pat dinizio a rock and roll genius I will truly miss. no ones rock and roll kicks butt like the smithereens. goodbye pat but long live the music of the smithereens.
Virgilio Murillo
January 19, 2018
May all your dreams come true.
With Pat in Maine Sep 2016
Dan George
January 16, 2018
One of the highlights of my life was getting to watch you perform live in September of 2016 in Maine, better yet meeting you and having a nice chat. I'll never forget mentioning my favorite song and you reciting the chords to me to play it, no one else would do such a thing for a fan. You were a true inspiration and although I miss you I have the gift of your recordings to continue to get me thru times both good & bad. A great voice has joined the choir in Heaven. Thanx for the memories brother.
John Tushim
January 15, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Pat. I am now deaf and on disability and apologize for the lateness of my response. My sympathies and Condolences to his family and friends. I saw the Smithereens in 1988
at Texas Stadium with Iggy pop, Ziggy Marley, Guns and Roses, and INXS. They were the best band that day. America's best bar band also.The lyrics written were excellent. I also played guitar and learned a lot of your songs.God bless you brother. What a tragic loss.
Stephen Speelman
January 15, 2018
Thank You Pat for all you did for me. You were like a brother. I will miss you greatly. You will live on in the music you left behind. I will never forget you!
Ready in Peace
Stephen
Rick Hamilton
January 14, 2018
Those hooks, those words, that voice! I'll never tire of those songs. they are woven into the fabric of my life. Godspeed, Pat...and Thank You!
Barbara Wright
January 13, 2018
Pat, you will be truly missed; I had a ticket at the Ramshead to see you 1/20; I just watched a tribute to you and cried throughout the show. Hope you are rockin and rollin with John and George. Sweet travels in Paradise!
Jeff Jones
January 11, 2018
What struck me about Pat and The Smithereens was their classic sound. Beautiful vocals and simply timeless songs. Pat was also an American patriot! My respectful condolences to the DiNizio family. RIP Pat.
Shawn Few
January 10, 2018
The Smithereens had a huge impact on my music career in the early days, as well as an impact on my songwriting. So sad to hear of the passing of Pat!
Met the band in Memphis at an in-store event for Green Thoughts. Pat was under the weather & didn't make it. My Green Thoughts LP will forever have an empty spot where his name should be.
Jim Doran
January 5, 2018
Pat, still having trouble processing that you are really gone. You treated your fans like they were old friends. Thank you for all the great music and memories! May the good Lord grant you eternal rest!
WMS
January 4, 2018
I am deeply saddened by this news. I had revived an email two days prior of an upcoming performance in Falls Church and was looking forward the possibility of seeing The Smithereens on the 19th of January.
Thank you for some great memories: Blasting 11 during college, playing Miles from Nowhere in my first band, cracking up to the lyrics while listening to Sick of Seattle, and hearing Gotti in my head to this day. Farewell and Godspeed.
Keith Rubenatein
January 2, 2018
Thank you Pat. You made so many people feel really special. The living room tour in Chicago made ME a rock star for a night. Performing at my sister Kim's wedding made her feel wonderful. Finally allowing my late Dad Vic to run your campaign for Senate. That made him so proud. God bless Pat Dinizio. A real friend.
Jim Gagnon
January 2, 2018
Saw pat and the guys at sopac /great show / just a wonderful talent and great voice / he was our jersey rocker for sure/ sorry Bruce / honestly some of the best music to listen to / to bad for those who missed out on such a great talent / much love to you pat long live the dirt club
Vincent Carlson
December 30, 2017
I have been a Smithereens fan since the beginning. Pat was a wonderful, kind and modest man, truly a pleasure to speak with.
Vincent Carlson, Attorney in North Muskegon, Michigan
bill cote
December 30, 2017
I cried my eyes out when I heard the news about pat/ was excited about the upcoming show in NH have been to many of their shows was always great to meet the boys after the show /love all the guys in the band iwill miss him dearly and my sincere sympathy to his family and friends/the smithereens America's band.
December 27, 2017
We will miss the beautiful music of Mr. Pat DiNizio. May our Heavenly Father cloth the entire family with love and comfort always! Peace be with you! Agape love! J.M.
John Johnson
December 27, 2017
So sad to hear the news of Pat's passing. I just recently discovered the Smithereens. I mentioned to my daughter how much I liked their sound especially the crystal clearness of Pat's voice. She got me "Blown to Smithereens the best of the Smithereens for Christmas and I am listening to it right now! May God give all his family and friends comfort in the many memories that they have made together!
God Bless you all!
John Johnson of Jamestown NY
In my living room, 2008...
Laura Rothwell
December 27, 2017
John & Barbara Kukawka
December 27, 2017
May Pat Rest in Peace...
Joe
December 26, 2017
An amazing talent. Passionate, committed to his music, innovative. Truly will be missed but not forgotten by those who were moved by his great work.
chris massaro
December 26, 2017
I feel a part of my past has died. What an impact seeing the whole band in concert or listening to their music had on not only my life but my best friend (Darin) as well. The passion they had on stage was inspiring. Rest in peace, Pat
Linda Kelly
December 26, 2017
I never met him but I always liked his music Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of such a great singer and songwriter May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Cara Crain
December 24, 2017
To Pat's mom & daughter, Dennis, Jimmy, & Mike, & all the SMITHEREENS fans worldwide, I'm so sorry for our loss. I have many fond memories of the guys & always looked forward to seeing them every time they came to town. I also traveled quite a few times to attend their concerts. One particular concert stands out in my mind. It was in Atlantic City NJ. After the guys finished their sound check, I chatted with them for a few minutes. Pat mentioned to me he was going to find one of those "Addams Family" games & play it for a while. I hung out with him while he played. Some people thought I was his sister! LOL It was great fun. I met his mom that night, too! Thanks for all the great times. We'll miss you, Pat, and you will forever be in our hearts.
Orphan Annie's
Michael&Arlene Rosol
December 24, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss. The Band and it's music, especially songs about love, were the soundtrack to our lives together. We spent many a moment both in private with you, and interacting with you from the stage over the years, that let us know it was a true friendship between Arlene and I and you. We so looked forward every year to the Ramshead shows, and will be missing you so very much this year. Thank You Mrs Dinizio, for letting us share your son over the years. You raised a fantastic human being, and the world is less without him.
Ron B
December 23, 2017
The band in the heavens just got that much better. Thanks for sharing your wonderful talents with us over the years. God speed, you will be missed.
Beauty and Sadness
Edward Christobal Lopez, III
December 22, 2017
If a picture is worth a thousand words, may they be the lyrics to every Smithereens song ever written Godspeed Pat.
Michael Ramsey
December 21, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Pat's family and band mates...I met Pat and the band several times while they played in Virginia. Pat was a great musician and had a great sense of humor. I felt his songs spoke directly to me and he will live forever in my memories of all the shows and having the great opportunity to meet and talk with him on several occasions.
Peace be with his family and band mates at this time of sadness.
Confessions Of A Rock Star 7/2015
Michele Kirsch
December 21, 2017
Took me awhile, to think of words to say about someone that meant a lot to my husband and I. Pat was a common denominator for us; we both loved him. I once said to someone (another fan) that we could sit Pat between us on a couch and listen to him all night. OK, so we might have asked him to sing a song or two along the way, but talking or singing his voice was like no other. Pat did so many songs that we enjoyed like - Blood and Roses, Top of The Pops, and Behind The Wall Of Sleep. But, for me, one of my favorite things that Pat sang and we sang along with him, was Hey Jude; what fun we had. That was at a Knowlton, NJ, summer concert and the Smithereens 35th year together as noted by News 12 of New Jersey. I'd love to re-live that day of happiness again... Pat was always just one of us, the fans; he loved his fans. I also knew Pat, because I sell NJ school yearbooks on-line. Pat liked yearbooks and collecting history of certain things in Jersey; he especially loved his home town. I saw his name on a sale and sent a note - Pat, is that you of the Smithereens?! On another occasion when I went to a show of Pat's, Confessions of a Rock Star, I brought along a couple of Carteret High School Yearbooks that a certain few young men were in. This was a 2nd time for me to see Pat talk about his book, the first time was at Barnes and Nobles, this time, it was at George Street Playhouse with the Grip Weeds. Pat invited me, my husband and a handful of other fans to the green room to be with him. That was truly a Dinizio highlight for each and everyone of us in that room that night; Pat made us happy. I think the most fun concerts of the Smithereens were outdoors, where we could all let loose, like Duke Island Park. Pat's 60th birthday party was also a blast, for sure. Great people came out that night to celebrate with Pat. The last thing I'd like to say, from what Pat would speak about, he loved his family, mostly his mom, and his home. RIP Pat, you hold a special spot in my heart, you will truly be missed. Michele "Mike" Kirsch
Liz Belmont
December 21, 2017
Pat, you were like an older brother to me. Thank you for accepting me into the Smithereens family all those years ago. My heart aches, but I have so many wonderful memories that will always remain with me. Much love to your mom and daughter. RIP, friend. xo
Elise Kirkpatrick
December 21, 2017
It took me a week to fully process the news that Pat had passed. I met him and the band before a show in Portland, OR in the early 90's and it was an unforgettable experience. My boyfriend was there to interview them and I tagged along because The Smithereens is one of my favorite bands of all time (I was hooked from the first time I heard "Blood and Roses"). Pat and the entire band were the warmest, most laid-back band we had ever met; it was like they were welcoming us to a barbecue in their back yard. Pat was kind, charismatic, funny, and charming. He gave me one of the nicest compliments I have ever received. Watching the band live was a great experience. They loved performing and interacting with the audience. Pat was such a talented musician, song writer, and singer and the music will always be woven into the fabric of my life and so many others. He leaves behind a rich legacy, both for his music and for the being the amazing human that he was. My heart breaks for his family, the band, and his friends. I wish I could give them all a big hug right now. Although Pat and The Smithereens will never be forgotten, I keep thinking of this quote by Maya Angelou...."I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Pat made people feel. If you were lucky enough to meet him you know what I mean. Even if you didn't get a chance to meet him, you felt him through the music. Arrivederci Pat...you were so loved.
Sean Gallagher
December 21, 2017
Thank you for your music. The Smithereens and the music we're always amazing. The only band that made me jump. Had the chance to see you guys several times out in Cali. Always tried to get a pick, and usually did. God bless you and your family, much love...
Stephen DeMoss
December 21, 2017
My wife and I travelled from Bella Vista Arkansas to see you in Chicago last year. I was so happy to finally see one of my favorite bands of all time, The Smithereens. Meeting you guys afterwards was surreal, considering how long I'd been listening to you and never seen you live. We were the lucky ones Pat. You, and the rest of the band, were the best. So real and relatable. Rest easy Pat. We all love you.
December 21, 2017
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, MAY THE FAMILY FIND PEACE IN GOD WHO BRING COMFORT TO ALL THE MOURNING ONES. ISA. 6:1,2.
Marc Soriano
December 21, 2017
December 21,2017
Pat, my friend, someone that showed incredible generosity towards me when I just moved to the US and was struggling to make a life of my own. We became close friends and the music bonded us.{Pat even gifted me with a recording session in a major NYC studio all paid for ,arranged and produced by his highness}. As of today , all I feel now is beauty and sadness.My heart is broken, but those special moments will live forever. My deepest sympathy to the Di Nizio family, smithereens members and fans. Miss you Pat.
Alex McGill
December 21, 2017
Pat,
I got to see you perform with The Smithereens multiple times and once got to back you up on a Beatles tune in my friend's band. What an honor! You were a great inspiration to so many of us. Thanks for all the great music and positive memories.
Christine Brooks
December 20, 2017
To Mom DiNizio, Pat's bandmates, and his many friends and loved ones:
Please accept my sincerest condolences on this great loss. I am sad to say I never got to meet Pat but I have read so many truly wonderful things about him. I have NO doubt he was a beautiful man. Rest in peace, Pat. We will all miss you so much. xo
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