Adam "Ron" Pataky

Adam Ronald "Ron" Pataky, of Columbus, Ohio passed away Monday, May 16, 2022. Born in Danville, Illinois on May 21, 1935, Ron was the first born child to Adam John Pataky and Daisy Alma Pataky, nee Downing. Ron spent his early years moving frequently, following his father's career path, living in Hamilton, Ohio –where his younger brother Gordon was born only 15 months later – followed by Pittsburgh, PA., Bethesda, MD., Fairfax, VA., Mansfield, OH., and eventually Columbus, Ohio. Ron graduated from Upper Arlington High School Class of 1953 with honors and as a stand out student-athlete he attended Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA. with a full scholarship to play football. Ron finished college by returning to Columbus and graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism and minor in Anthropology.
Ron is best known as having been the entertainment critic/editor for the Columbus Citizen-Journal from 1961 until its demise in 1985. Ron also composed numerous songs that were recorded by Jerry Vale, Johnny Mathis, Lionel Hampton, Ed Ames and others. A photographer and author, Ron wrote several books of humor and a heartfelt autobiography of a young boy's adolescent journey through the turbulent years during World War II. His music, photography and publications remained his proudest accomplishments in his later years.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents Adam John Pataky and Daisy "Day" Wollett, and brother Gordon "Gordie" Pataky. He leaves behind his sweetheart and long-time companion Yan Xue, brother Craig Pataky, nieces Pamela Pataky Kreber, Paige Pataky, Kathryn Glew, nephew Lyle Pataky, a great-niece Lily Kreber and great-nephew Kobe Kreber.
Ron would like to leave you with a thought: "He who so shall, so shall he who".
Tuesday, May 21, 1935 – Monday, May 16, 2022
86 yrs. 361 days around the sun