Patrick P. Czytuck

Patrick P. Czytuck, age 72, of Erie, PA, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on March 10, 2025, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Known affectionately as "Pat", "Patty", "Coach Czy", "Czy", or the one he loved best… "Poppie", he dedicated his entire life to his family and shaping the lives of young people while building a legacy of commitment and service.

Born on April 30, 1952, in Erie, PA, at Hamot Hospital, Patrick was the son of the late Joseph and Joann (nee Ropelewski) Czytuck.

Pat grew up on the lower eastside of Erie and attended St. Hedwig's Grade School. He enrolled at the Cathedral Preparatory School for Boys in August 1966 where he excelled as a student and baseball player eventually becoming a proud member of the Prep Class of 1970. Pat received his BS in Mathematics from Gannon College in 1974.

His professional career began at St. John Kanty Prep (Erie, PA) where he taught a variety of subjects and coached football and baseball. In 1980, he returned to his high school alma mater where he began a legendary career as a math teacher and coach.

Coach Czy's name is synonymous with Cathedral Prep football. For an astounding 43 years, he served the program under five different head coaches, marking a period of service longer than any other coach at any level, in any sport, in the history of Cathedral Prep athletics. He is the only individual to coach in all nine of the program's state championship appearances, including the five triumphant state title wins in 2000, 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2018. He mentored many younger coaches and was a true coach's coach. He also coached baseball and track & field during his more than four decades of service.

His contributions were recognized with inductions into the Cathedral Prep Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021, the Metro Erie Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame in 2022, and the N.W.P.F.C.A. Assistant Coach of the Year Award in 2017, honors befitting his profound impact on the Cathedral Prep and Erie communities.

Beyond the gridiron, Pat was a respected and long-tenured member of the Cathedral Prep Math Department, where he taught from 1980 to 2022. He often tutored students who needed help before and after school hours giving selflessly of his time. His commitment to the school was unparalleled. He supported thousands of young men and women through his roles as both a teacher and coach, exemplifying true integrity, dedication, and service to all who knew him.

Outside of work Pat enjoyed spending time with his family. He was an avid golfer, bowler, and softball player. He was a long suffering, but faithful Cleveland Browns fan. He also rooted for the Cleveland Indians and Penn State Football.

Patrick is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Lee-Ann (nee Callista) Czytuck, whom he married on June 19, 1992. He is also survived by his step-son, Brian Peterson, and daughter-in-law, Tiffany (nee Wlodarczyk) Peterson; his cherished grandchildren, Courtney, Jordan, Cassidy, Blakely, Nova and Jakob Peterson; and his four great-grandchildren, Gabi, Silas, Oaklynn, and Theo.

Patrick's legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched through his teaching and coaching. His passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to Cathedral Prep will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Friends may call on Thursday at the Cathedral Prep H. David Bowes Auditorium from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm and are invited to the Funeral Mass on Friday at St. Francis Xavier Church in McKean at 12 noon. Send condolences to www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Patrick's memory to the Cathedral Prep Football Boosters or the Erie Humane Society.

The Kloecker Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc is in charge of arrangements.