John J. Pategas

Consummate Outdoorsman,

Inventor And Advocate

For Seniors

John J. Pategas, 86, husband of Kathryn (Taylor) Pategas of Newtown died February 17 at Ashlar of Newtown following a long, debilitating illness. He was born in Bridgeport on August 2, 1919, a son of Francis and Antanina Pategas.

In addition to his wife of 62 years, he is survived by his devoted children, Tina Welsh and her husband, Ted, of Newtown, Greg Pategas and his wife, Dianna, of Newtown, John (Jack) Pategas and his wife, Patricia, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Stephen Pategas and his wife, Kristin, of Winter Park, Fla.; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren.

Mr Pategas and his brother William were orphaned at an early age and spent eight years at the St Francis Orphan Asylum in New Haven. They came to Easton in 1932, living with a foster family on a working farm. Mr Pategas married in 1943 and together with his wife raised four children in the Stepney Road home that he proudly built. He worked as a machinist and manufacturing engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft from 1940 to 1977 and at other noted Connecticut manufacturers until his retirement in 1987. He lived in Easton until 2001 when he moved into assisted living in Newtown. Mr Pategas was a consummate outdoorsman, figure skater, gardener, inventor, mechanic, and all-around handyman.

During his 69 years in Easton, Mr Pategas was an active member of the community. He was a founding member of Notre Dame of Easton Catholic Church where he served as an usher for many years. He was also active in town politics and government, the Boy Scouts, the Commission for the Aging, and Meals on Wheels. Mr Pategas will always be known as a caring citizen and an advocate for Easton seniors.

A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, March 4, from 11 am to 1 pm, in the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. Family and friends may call during that time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Masonicare at www.masonicaredonations.org or Hospice and Palliative Care of Connecticut VNA, 237 East Aurora Street, Waterbury CT 06708.

The Newtown Bee        March 3, 2006