Photo courtesy of Domico Funeral Home, Inc.
Nov 20, 1930 - Mar 12, 2019
My father (Donald Yurgec) worked with Harry in Washington after the election of Arnold Miller. He always spoke highly of and admired Harry for what hne did for the miners. In 1978 he was on the slate for national office of the UMWA made up of Patrick, Tamtom, and Yurgec. I wish I could have met Harry.
Mike Yurgec
February 24, 2025 | Sherman, IL | Friend
I had many good times visiting with Harry and my mother in Daytona. As a union steward, Harry and I had many conversations about his days in the union, which I always enjoyed hearing about. I also really enjoyed the fishing trips with you.
Chris Bean
March 24, 2019 | Barre, VT | Family
Sending our deepest sympathy. Remembering you in thought and prayers.
Nancy Hennen
March 22, 2019 | New Freeport, PA
Harry could be deadly serious or inspire more laughter than anyone I've ever known. We were together in exhilarating and fascinating times nearly 50 years ago, from 1969 through the mid-1970's in the struggle to bring democracy to the United Mine Workers of America.
Harry was on the front lines in those fraught times, putting his personal safety at risk in challenging a murderous regime and thereafter reforming the UMW. I remember him in St. Clairsville Ohio. at Wheeling when he...
Joseph Yablonski
March 21, 2019 | Bethesda, MD | Coworker
Harry was full of fun and laughter always finding a new project to do do loved to go fishing and exploring new places we will miss ya our prayers are with his wife and his family he could not of had a better family, our prayers to you all Frank and Eve
Frank Gabor
March 20, 2019 | Palmcoast, FL | Friend
He was so funny, had lots of great memories of him. Our deepest condolences to the family
Richard and Cindy Johnson
March 20, 2019 | New Freeport, PA | Family
We will listen for your laughter. Rest In Peace, Dear Harry.
Love, Tom and Janet
Janet Heslin
March 20, 2019 | Sparta, NJ | Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Marion County Senior Citizens.
Vicki Nichols
March 20, 2019 | Fairmont, WV
Harry Lester Patrick, Sr., 88, of Daytona Beach, FL, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019. He was born in Fairmont on November 20, 1930.
He is predeceased by his parents, Walter and Mada (Strickler) Patrick; brothers, Brooks Patrick, Edward Patrick, James “Jim” Patrick, Walter Patrick, Charles Patrick, Frank Patrick, Faye Patrick, and Lee Patrick; sisters, Martha (Patrick) Fluharty and Mildred (Patrick) Wilson. He is also preceded in death by his first wife Pearl (Pierce) Patrick; sons, David Patrick and Chris Patrick; a grandson, Jessie Patrick; and an uncle, Russel Patrick.
He leaves behind his brother, Jack Patrick; children, Harry L. (Les) Patrick, Jr., (Linda), Tina Patrick Guinard (Brian), Gina Patrick Lassiter (Jeff), Mary Patrick, and Ryan Patrick (Jenny). Also surviving are grandchildren, Nathan, Marlana, Jake, Eric, Bethany, Brittany, Hunter, Kati, Phil, Wesley, Dwight, Frankie, Kristy, and Angela, as well as multiple great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving is his current wife, Beverly Patrick, and second wife, Marilyn Pearson.
Harry was a proud member of the Navy from 1948 to 1951, serving during the Korean War. Once discharged, he returned to West Virginia where he became a coal miner. Becoming frustrated with what he saw as corruption in the coal mining union (UMWA), he became heavily involved in the campaign of friend and colleague, Jock Yablonsi. Tragically, Mr. Yablonski, along with his wife and daughter, were murdered by a gunman hired by the then UMWA incumbent. This only served to inspire Harry to continue his efforts to change the union, eventually leading to his key role in the grass roots movement known as Miners for Democracy and his appointment as Secretary Treasurer of the UMWA. His work within the union was a tremendous source of pride for Harry and he developed life long bonds with other members. Harry eventually moved on from his role in the UMWA to other career challenges. This would eventually lead to his final position as presidential appointee under the Jimmy Carter Administration as a Federal Mediator, where his knowledge and experience assisted him in settling contract disputes between labor unions and their respective management. Many will remember the strike involving the air traffic controllers in the 80s. Harry played an instrumental role in the resolution and end to that conflict. He retired in 1990 and eventually settled in Daytona, Florida to enjoy his golden years.
The family will receive friends at Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Avenue in Fairmont, on Friday, March 22, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday at 2:00 p.m at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Enterprise where full military rites will be performed by the Marion County Veterans Council and United States Navy. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com.
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