Michael James Patin

Breaux Bridge - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Bernard Catholic Church at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, for Michael James Patin, 82, who passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 12, 2025 surrounded by his family.

A visitation will take place at Pellerin Funeral Home in Breaux Bridge on Tuesday from 8:00 am until 12:30 pm.

A Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 am on Tuesday morning.

Father Paul Onuegbe will officiate the Funeral Mass. Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery #2.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Mike lived a life marked by hard work, service, strength, and unwavering love for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albin and Lena Patin, and his brother, Kenneth Patin. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Claudette Broussard Patin, with whom he built a beautiful life and legacy.

Together, they raised three children who carry forward his values and spirit: Michelle Richard (Joey), Amy Thibodeaux (Gary), and Al Patin (Nikie). He was the proud and loving "Poppy" to seven grandchildren-Heather, Erin, Alyssa, William, Julianna, Elise, Claudia "CC", and one great-grandchild, Mallory with one more on the way, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy.

Mike graduated from Breaux Bridge High School in 1961, where he stood out as a hard-hitting, determined football player known for his grit and leadership on the field. His love for the game continued at both USL (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education in 1967.

Passionate about education and the trades, Mike dedicated his early career to Industrial Arts Education, serving as Director of the St. Martin Parish Career Center. In 1975, he returned to USL to earn a Master's degree in Secondary and Industrial Education, blending his skills as an educator and coach to inspire generations of student-athletes with the same discipline and work ethic that shaped his own life.

He went on to serve as an Assistant Professor at USL for 20 years, where he developed expertise in emerging technologies such as Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). Mike played a key role in expanding the College of Engineering's curriculum to include a 7/7 program, designed to provide flexible educational opportunities for those working in Louisiana's energy sector.

After retiring from education, Mike began a second career in public service. In 1990, he joined the St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office, where he served with distinction for 13 years, rising to the rank of Major and stepping in as Interim Sheriff in 2003. He continued his commitment to community and public safety through later service with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office in the HR department.

To those who knew him, Mike was more than his titles or accomplishments-he was steady, firm but kind-hearted, and deeply professional and respectful. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or at home with his family, he led with quiet strength, perseverance, a strong work ethic, and enduring love.

Enormous gratitude to his healthcare team: Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center Emergency Room, 8th and 9th floor, and ICU; Drs. Juan Perez, Philippe Prouet, Brad Roth, Kyle Degeyter, Agostino "Gus" Ingraldi, Kyle Schuler, Perri Prellop and Reshma Bhanushali; the amazing team from St. Joseph Hospice, in particular his nurse, Skylar; and his loving team from ACare Partners.

He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ULL Foundation for students needing financial assistance. Donations can be made in Michael Patin's name by visiting the webpage. 

Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge (337-332-2111) has been entrusted with arrangements.