Patrick George Lewandowski

Patrick Lewandowski Obituary
Patrick George Lewandowski, born 12/19/1962 in Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia PA, died May 24, 2024 in Dover, Delaware
At the age of 10 years old Patrick was raising his two younger siblings, Matthew and Richard. He made sure they had breakfast and dinner and clean clothes to go to school. Their mother was frequently unavailable. Though the boys were eventually separated and put into foster care they remained close, as the foster families ensured that the boys were able to spend time together. Patrick moved back with his mother who was living in Wilmington, DE in his freshman year of school. Patrick joined alateen while in Wilmington to help him make sense of his early years and his mother. During this time, he met his mentor, Bill MacIntyre. Bill taught Patrick practical things like car repair, construction etc. that most fathers teach their sons. Patrick's father was available but lived in PA. At a very young age, Patrick would take the train from wherever he was residing to Philadelphia. His father showed him all the historic places in Philly and then would allow him to visit these sites on his own when he visited. Patrick would tell me, "Though my father was not very active in my life, he did pay for twelve years of Catholic education which probably saved my life." Patrick attended high school at Salesianum Catholic School, Wilmington, DE and graduated in 1981.
Patrick joined the Scouts a little later than most but was still able to reach the title of Eagle Scout which he was very proud of. To reach this final honor, Patrick wrote about the U.S. Olympia which is moored at Penn's Landing, Pennsylvania as the lone surviving U.S. warship.
After graduation, Patrick joined the United States Marine Corps (1981-1985) Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe, HI, as a Photo Lab/Photojournalist, where he received the Meritorious Mast Award. When he returned stateside, he took a position at "The Outlook", Alexander City, AL 1985-1987, City Editor/Columnist. He then moved on to "The Montgomery Advertiser", Montgomery, AL Copy Editor/City Editor/Photojournalist 1987-2008. While working full time and assisting in raising his three children while he attended college. He was also a substitute teacher (Social Studies Teacher) at Elmore and Montgomery County School Systems (1992-2007). Patrick received degrees (1987-1998) all from Auburn University Montgomery, AL: *Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, History, BA,*Master of Education, Secondary Social Studies, ME, *Instructional Leadership, Education Specialist, EdS, *Principal Certification in DE 2009.
Patrick is survived by his wife, Angela Lewandowski. He is also survived by his children: Jessica Blankenship (Derek) Holtville, AL, Jordan Lewandowski (Alice) Lexington, KY, Justin Lewandowski (Noel) Columbus, GA; his step children: Celsi Illiano of Princeton, N.J. and Salvatore Illiano of Newark, DE; his grandchildren: Kinslee Lewandowski, TN, Joshua Blankenship, AL Madison Blankenship, AL, Elijah Blankenship, AL, Carina Illiano, DE, Damian Illiano, DE, his brothers: Matthew Severance Wilmington, DE, Richard Severance (Pamela) Newark, DE; his nephews: Tyler Severance, Austin Severance, and Danny Severance (deceased). Both of Patrick's parents are deceased, Bertha Marie and Gracian Lewandowski.
Patrick's hobbies included trains, American history, and photography. Patrick loved and served his country and was proud of his service and being an Eagle Scout. Every time he and his wife were out, he always made sure he did a 'Good Deed' for someone. As an editor, he never thought a story was too small and believed those small stories and details led to the bigger stories. Patrick was an avid train junkie and he and Angela frequently went to train events. Patrick loved American history, he was a fountain of information and loved to share it. During Patrick's formative years you could find him in Lincoln Camera Shop in Trolley Square, Wilmington looking and saving for his next purchase. During his years of service to his country and later as a civilian, Patrick continued to be an avid photographer. Patrick and Angela enjoyed camping, taking their French Bulldogs with them wherever they traveled, and later their granddaughter Carina joined them on camping trips.
Patrick met his second wife Angela (Illiano) in March 2009. They went on their first date and quickly decided to marry on June 6, 2009. They both enjoyed the closeness of being married though they were both divorced, but it did not take long for them to realize they had found their soulmate. After ten months of wedded bliss Patrick suffered a traumatic brain injury. Over the next fourteen+ years that they were married. Angela lovingly cared for Patrick at home and was frequently in the hospital for various reasons and several new diagnoses. Angela was his most ferocious advocate and never left his side while he was in the hospital. Angela and Patrick made an agreement early on that they would be with each other for fifty years! Whenever Patrick would be in the hospital and the situation was serious, Angela would remind him how many years were left of their agreement and he would always pull through for her, though he was very close to death at least three times. At his death Patrick and Angela still had thirty-five more years to enjoy. Angela is devastated at the loss of Patrick and that they have lost that time. Sadly, his last hospital visit did not have the same outcome as the others. Patrick never regained consciousness in the hospital, though family and friends were by his side when he passed.
Visitation will be June 10, 2024 from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. at the Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden Wyoming Ave, Wyoming, Delaware 19934. Memorial Service will folllow at 3:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to the funeral home to assist with expenses. Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.