Patrick Mingarelle

On Friday, August 22, 2025, just three days shy of his 89th birthday, Patrick Anthony Mingarelle passed peacefully at home surrounded by family after a brief illness. Born August 25, 1936, in Fairmont, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Pat and Jennie (Maruka) Mingarelle. 

 His family later moved to Cleveland, where he became a proud member of the first graduating class of Cleveland St. Joseph High School and a 1958 graduate of John Carroll University. He married his college sweetheart, Carol Dimond, in 1960, and they made their first home in Cleveland, Ohio, before moving to Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1965.

 He proudly served in the US Army. He was stationed at Fort Knox and served six years as an active reservist with the Ohio National Guard before beginning a long and fulfilling career in labor relations. After being appointed Commissioner for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service in 1965, he worked for 41 years until his retirement in 2006, mediating labor-management disputes in both the private and public sector. He also assisted several local school districts in developing peer mediation programs. He was an adjunct instructor at Penn State Behrend from 1987-2013, where he taught courses in Labor Employment Relations and Conflict Management. He took great joy in mentoring and advising his students, many of whom stayed in touch with him throughout the years. He was an active participant and board member in the former Northwest PA Cooperative Council from 1983-2011. He was also a longtime parishioner of St. George Parish, a member of the former Erie Maennerchor Club, and The Erie Club.

 Always young at heart, he was fun and loved being around people, making many friends and acquaintances throughout his lifetime. Thoughtful and kind, he consistently put others before himself. He loved deeply, and he was deeply loved. He especially enjoyed sharing a good meal, whether dining out or gathering at home with family and friends. One of his most cherished traditions was making his signature sauce and meatballs, a days-long event his family always looked forward to.

 He was an avid reader and lifelong learner, with a passion for politics and a remarkable scope of knowledge that spanned a wide range of topics and perspectives. He enjoyed thoughtful conversation and debate. Known for his sense of style, he was always impeccably dressed. He was also a loyal fan of the Cleveland Browns.

 He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Carol (Dimond) Mingarelle, son Patrick Mingarelle and his wife Colleen, daughter Beth Maciejewski and her husband Michael, and daughter Megan Mingarelle and her beloved dog Roxy. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends and neighbors.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his half-sisters Phyllis Mauro and Elizabeth Taverni.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, August 28th, at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. and may attend a Funeral Mass on Friday, August 29th, at Saint George Church, 5145 Peach Street, at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will be private at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to AseraCare Hospice, 12664 Route 19 South, Unit 1(A), Waterford, PA 16441.

 The family would like to thank Dr. Grisier, Dr. Sharma, and the wonderful nurses, therapists, and staff at St. Vincent Hospital for the compassionate care he received and his amazing AseraCare Hospice team: Katie, Sandra, Paula, and Kym, whose care and support allowed him to pass peacefully at home.