Patrick Verneuil

Friends may visit the family on Wednesday, August 14 from 9:00am-11:00am at Memorial Funeral Home in Fanwood. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 with entombment to follow at Hollywood Memorial Park in Union.
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" The Father of Physical Fitness"
Sorrows come and go as surely as the joys of life, yet there is something disquieting so deeply sorrowful the death of a loved one, that we never seem prepared for the inevitable occasion.
Patrick Verneuil was born March 13, 1941 in Laborie, St. Lucia, West Indies to the late Eustacious Verneuil and Josephine Aurelien Tousain. He was the last of 9 children born to them.
Patrick departed this life on Saturday morning August 3, 2024 at home in the presence of his wife Gloria and granddaughter Monique who helped as a caregiver. Patrick lived in Plainfield with his wife Glo (as he called her) for 42 years. The were married in February, 1982.
Patrick was raised in Laborie and attended The Lady of the Purification Church where he served as an altar boy. He was educated at the Laborie School for Boys where he completed his education. Patrick had a strong bond with his siblings, Henrietta, Frances, Prentis, Vena, Caroline, Augustin and Edgitha. Growing up at home was strict as a young man. Patrick loved to explore, so he left home to see what Trinidad was like. He worked for a short while and then ventured off to London, England. London brought him much joy as he fathered 4 children, Diane Norris, Angela Danny, Susan Courtney, Jr and Leon. Eventually 7 grand kids came along: Michelle, Nicole, Tai, Courtney, Tia, Niah and Narissa. Patrick had always wanted to come to the USA, so in 1981 after being in England for 25 years or so, he began his journey to America for a visit with his sister and ended up staying. While in England he worked as an auto body detailer. Patrick loved working on cars. Then as a strong willed young man, he pursued a career in boxing. It was strictly business for him. Coming from a background of strict upbringing and discipline, he fit right into the regimented lifestyle of a boxer and was good at what he pursued. Patrick's personality caused friction, he wanted everyone, from family, friends and strangers to exercise as he did to keep fit.
America, here he comes! In May or June of 1981, visiting his sister, then his niece in the Bronx. American friends he made in London invited him to East Orange, NJ where he met Gloria and his new, ready made family, 3 children: Paula, Bernadette and Maurice. That started a union of a blended family that he inherited 9 grandchildren: Monique, Genil, Shawn, Marquis, Marquel, Maurice, Martinique, Emannuel, and Brianna. Also with 9 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren, what a package deal!!
While Patrick was out searching for employment, he met a God sent man named Mark Seigel and that started his journey with the Lord. He attended and joined Living Praise Church, where they strongly believed and hungered for Gods word with the demonstration of his power for all people. He later was baptized by Pastor Ted Alleman in 1984 because of what the church stood for, being a born again Christian.
Patrick was employed at Marino's Auto Body, R&C Auto Rebuilders Inc. and retired from Bamco Inc. in Middlesex as an auto body painter. Patrick continued his love for physical fitness as a big part of his life. He ran all over Plainfield, Watchung, Fanwood and Scotch Plains. He participated in marathons for AIDS awareness at Union County College, Scotch Plains event for cancer and in the Ironbound section of Newark, winning several medals for participation. Patrick was a member of the Plainfield Senior Center on Front Street where he participated in their Spring Themed Fashion Show "Celebrate the Movies in All of Us, the 84th Academy Awards".
Patrick leaves to cherish his memory: Glo Verneuil, his wife. His children, his grandchildren, his sisters Caroline Augustin Dickerson, Edgitha Joseph. His 2 sisters in law, Beverly Drake and Theresa Hicks, 2 Brothers in Law Alphonso Hicks and Augustin Dickerson, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors and families in London and St. Lucia.
Your words, however simple, have served as tangible support and hope for the family. Thank you!