Wayne Patrick

Wayne Perry Patrick was born on June 13th, 1945, and from that day forward, the world became a little more interesting. He was a proud Marine, a devoted husband and father and the kind of grandfather every kid dreams of one who could leave you laughing, thinking or shaking your head in disbelief.
Wayne served his country with honor, achieving the rank of Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during Vietnam. His pride in the Corps was a lifelong badge of honor, displayed proudly on his hat, jacket, car and even in his stories at Veterans Day discussions.
After his time in the Corps, Wayne met and married Barbara (DiSantis). Together, they had three children. Wayne joined the DuPont Company, where he worked as a chemical operator until retiring in 2003. Retirement didn't mean slowing down for him; it just meant more time for projects and volunteering.
Family was everything to Wayne. As a grandfather, he was a hero, a comedian, and an enthusiastic storyteller. His grandkids were endlessly entertained by his over-the-top tales and silly voices. Whether recounting his "childhood escapades" (spoiler alert: they were often fabricated) or improvising songs and stories, he had a talent for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. He was lovingly known as "the big fibber" by his grandchildren.
Wayne had a soft spot for animals, especially his dogs. They were his faithful companions, whether on his daily walks or in his younger-years their rollerblading adventures. Neighbors might not have known Wayne's name, but they definitely knew his dog's shouted repeatedly while rollerblading or during walks at the park, as any true dog lover knows.
He was always up for a project with the unofficial motto, "Failure is always an option." A true jack-of-all-trades, master of none, Wayne embraced the DIY approach with enthusiasm and creativity even if it sometimes ended in minor property damage or a personal injury. These "misadventures" only added to his funny stories, which he would retell for years to come.
Wayne's generosity extended beyond his family to his community. He volunteered for years at Salem County Hospital and the Pennsville Historical Society, where his love of genealogy and local history found a perfect outlet. If you needed to know an obscure fact about Deepwater or Pennsville, Wayne was your guy. He spent hours combing through old photos and articles, sharing his discoveries on Facebook with posts that were equal parts fascinating and charmingly random.
Of course, no tribute to Wayne would be complete without mentioning his legendary frugality. The man never met a penny he wouldn't pick up and his knack for saving money bordered on an art form. But behind his thrifty ways was a man who gave generously of himself.
Above all, Wayne loved his family with every ounce of his being. He was a devoted husband, a proud father and a grandfather who inspired awe and endless laughter. He was our hero and more importantly, our biggest fan.
As we say goodbye, our hearts are heavy, but they're also full-full of gratitude for the time we had with him. Wayne was a Marine, a historian, a dog lover (and dog shouter), a DIY enthusiast, and a storyteller. He was one-of-a-kind, and his memory will live on in the stories he told, the good times he inspired, and the love he gave.
Semper Fi, Sergeant. You've left a lifetime of memories that we will always carry with us.
He will be dearly missed and is survived by his wife of 56 years Barbara (DiSantis); his son Jeffrey (Allen) Patrick; daughter Amy (Blane) Danley; grandkids Maxx, Ryan, and Victoria; his sister Cindy Weigel, Joe and Donna DiSantis along with a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Tina (Sheppard) Patrick, who took a piece of his heart with her; parents George and Mildred (Perry) Patrick and brothers Larry and Ritchie Patrick.
There will be no services. The family asks that donations be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation in Wayne's Memory.
Gary Sinise Foundation
PO Box 40726
Nashville, TN 37204 www.garysinisefoundation.org