Smith Patrick A

Patrick (Pat) A. Smith, a devoted father, uncle, brother, friend, and to his grandkids "Pop-Pop" passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. He was a steady source of

strength, humor, and unconditional support. Pat was someone whose presence made life feel both safer and brighter.

Pat was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and grew up in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, where he developed the strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and independent nature that would shape his life. He attended Holy Name Seminary in Madison, Wisconsin, for high school, a formative experience that nurtured his discipline and deepened his empathy for others.

After graduating, Pat moved with the family to Cleveland, Ohio, to attend Cleveland State University, a choice that would influence both his personal and professional life in profound ways. While in college, he began working at Dunn Hardware, a place where his natural knack for fixing and building things quickly made him indispensable. What started as a college job grew into a defining chapter of his life. After honing his customer-service skills at Sears, Pat went on to buy and run Dunn Hardware, transforming it into a beloved community hub where he devoted himself to helping customers, solving problems, and building relationships that lasted decades.

It was also during his time at Cleveland State that Pat met Kathiann Terrell, who would become his wife and lifelong partner.

Following their wedding, Pat quite literally built the foundation of their life together by constructing their family home with his own hands. Endlessly handy and naturally gifted, he could fix or build just about anything, and he genuinely loved doing it. His wit made every project lighter, and his problem-solving mind was always at work.

Pat especially enjoyed listening to Click and Clack, the iconic brothers from NPR's beloved radio show Car Talk, whose humorous advice and lively caller stories perfectly matched his own love of mechanical puzzles and good-natured banter. In his later years, Pat discovered a new passion in cheese-making, delighting in learning the craft, experimenting with flavors, and sharing the results with family and friends-especially fitting for someone with deep Wisconsin roots.

Driven by creativity and determination, Pat embraced life on his own terms. He charted his course boldly but always placed his family at the center of every decision. His generosity, quiet courage, and unwavering commitment to the people he cared about defined his days and built a legacy of love, loyalty, and dedication.

Pat had an entrepreneurial spirit that never dimmed. He thought differently,dreamed boldly, and refused to believe that things had to be done the way they'd always been done. He was an original, authentic to the core. And yet, for all that independence, for all that "his way" grit that made him who he was, Pat never once lost sight of what mattered most: family.

To his siblings, Pat was a guiding light and a father-figure, always steady, protective, and endlessly encouraging. To his friends, he was loyal and true. And to Kathi, he was both a partner and a best friend, offering a life filled with devotion, shared dreams, and a bond strengthened by countless ordinary and extraordinary moments together.

Pat faced his cancer diagnosis in 2023 with remarkable strength and determination. He fought every step of the way, never giving up, and never losing the kindness and grace that made him who he was.

Pat lived out the values he believed in; compassion, integrity, and devotion to family. His life is a reminder that true impact is made not by grand gestures, but by showing up for others again and again with love.

Pat is survived by his wife Kathiann Smith and three children, Jonathan Smith, Zachary Smith (Andrea), and Victoria Wong (David); his two grandchildren,Anderson and Benedict Wong; his parents, Barbara and Roger Smith; his siblings, Jessica O'Connor (Daniel), David Smith, Roger Smith (Leenie), Andrew Smith (Donna), and Jean Smith. He will be remembered fondly with humor and love by his in-laws, cousins, and his many nieces, and nephews.

If you would like to support the family, please consider making a donation in Patrick Smith's name at support.conquer.org. Conquer Cancer is a part of the ASCO foundation, supporting cancer research and family programs across 81 cancer types.

Family and friends will gather to honor Pat's life on Monday, December 15, 2025,at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Concord Township. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m.

Pat will be forever missed, forever remembered, and forever loved. Always & all ways.