Deacon Tony Patronite
Beloved Deacon, Husband, Father, Friend and over-all Wonderful Person!
With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Tony Patronite on February 17, 2025, in Irvine, California.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and Deacon, Tony was a man of deep faith, boundless love, and unwavering kindness. He was the youngest of five children born to Tony Sr. and Aneta Patronite, on October 4, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio. Survived by sisters, Louise and Pat, as well as his immediate family. Tony dedicated his life to his faith and family. He married the love of his life, Mary, in 1969, and together they built a home filled with love, prayer, and cherished memories. He was a proud father to his daughters, Michele, Charlotte, and Christine, and a loving father-in-law to Brett Bradley, Jay Jannise, and Danny Dressendorfer. Much joy came from his grandchildren—Rachel, Danny, and Erica; Grace and Jack; and Haley—who adored their "Papa" and the hugs and warmth he brought to every moment. For over 40 years, Tony worked in industrial metal and chain sales, known for his genuine rapport with customers, giant dimples and smile. However, his true calling was his faith. For 18 joyful years, he served as a Deacon at St. Thomas More Parish in Irvine, where he touched countless lives with his compassion, sincerity, and devotion. His happy place was his Church and He loved his ministries and every parishioner he had the privilege to serve. Most of all, Tony loved Jesus with his whole heart, and that love radiated through everything he did. Tony’s sudden passing leaves an emptiness that cannot be filled, but his legacy of faith, love, and generosity will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday Feb 25 th at St. Thomas More Parish in Irvine, at 10 am California, presided by Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann. May he rest in eternal peace, embraced by the love of the Lord he so faithfully served.
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Tony was a wonderful friend. We had many great times together when my hubby was alive. We were honored to be at his ordination. You couldn’t find a better friend. Always a laugh away he kept in touch with me even after Fred died. And his wonderful wife Mary is also a great friend. He will be sorely missed by all. God bless Mary and adult children Chrissie, Char and Michelle +and the grands n in laws.+
Deacon Tony was a wonder presence at St. Thomas More ! Always friendly, warm welcome smile every time saw him. He is missed already!
Sending sympathy and Condolences to Mary and the whole family. Keep the treasured memories you all have in your hearts May Our Blessed Mother Mary wrap her mantle around all of you and help bring you peace especially at this time.
What a blessing to have been a friend of Tony’s and Mary. He was so dependable and so full of life and love of the Lord. I know how difficult it must be for the family to lose Tony so quickly. I saw him on Sunday the 16th at 8:00 am Mass right after he received Communion. He was happy. He is really happy still it’s just such a loss to us. God Bless all in the Patronite family. In many ways you have to be thrilled to know how close he was to our faith and Lord. Heaven. 🙏🏻
Patrick & Debbie Vanek has purchased Designer’s Choice for Deacon Tony Patronite
Edward , Sunyim Ruppe Family has purchased Designer’s Choice for Deacon Tony Patronite
My condolences to the entire family of Antony Patronite.
My family were neighbors to Anthony’s family in Cleveland, Ohio. My brother, Garry was altar boy at Mary and Anthony’s wedding. Antony was also Garry sponsor. Anthony’s loved God and his family. Garry and I returned everything we had received from Anthony’s brother. We returned everything which was important for him to give to his grand kids.
Anthony decided to gift our family a crochet set to include the sisters and brothers could participate in the game. My brothers got over the top they sent the ball over to the next street and continued to go out of sight. Game over. Anthony said he had never seen such a crochet game. I hope Mary can share some of these memories. My love to the family.
Dear Mary and Family,
The reason I joined St. Thomas More about 8 and a half years ago, was because of Deacon Tony’s Bible Studies. He and the group, including Mary, welcomed me warmly. I was amazed in the faith of both Tony and Mary. I had just lost my husband of 44 years and being in that group was so good for me. I have taken every study he offered until they were discontinued. Deacon was a warm, loving, compassionate and welcoming person, always learning from others in the studies, just like the rest of us. After Covid when our Bishop approved GriefShare for the diocese, a group of us and Tony began the GriefShare meeting at St. Thomas More in April of 2022. He was the rock to back us up and help us succeed. He has blessed my life and I am going to miss his wonderful support! God be with you Mary, and his family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Much Love and Prayers,
KC
Dear Mary and Family,
I lost my husband last May and was encouraged to attend Grief Sharing sessions at St Thomas Moore. Deacon Tony was always present at the sessions and led us in prayer. His enthusiasm and love of the Lord as well as the prayers he led us in were a comfort to me . He often had suggestions for help in facing some of my problems. In speaking with him I also learned that the family lived in Turtle Rock in Irvine and attended St Elizabeth Ann Seton church. I lived in Turtle Rock then and that is still my parish. I offered my Mass there today for Deacon Tony and will continue to keep him in my prayers. May the lord and your trust in him help you through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Lura Eberling
It’s
Dear Mary and family,
I first met Deacon Tony at St. Thomas More’s Griefshare group, a month after my mother died, summer of 2022. He was such a tender and kind man, always welcoming with a big smile and hello. His gift of the word at our meetings were so on topic and helpful, to whomever he was speaking to. He lifted us all up during a time when we were all struggling, making us feel better. We often ran into each other at daily mass, and where I met you Mary, at Holy Family. He was always willing to listen to my questions and help me navigate whatever it was I finding difficulty. I am sorry for your loss Mary, and of your daughters and family. He reminded me of my dad who was often referred to as. .. . . “a Girl Dad”. My dad had 3 girls too.
Please accept my deepest condolences. He will missed by so many. May he rest in everlasting peace.
Tony memory will live on in our hearts. Tony’s love for others just spilled out of him because if his relationship with Christ. Out daughter Tammy and Chrissy. his daughter, were best friends in high school and always together. Out daughters share the same birthday and even celebrated together 1 year at Tony and Mary’s loving home. A welcoming loving family they are. Thank you Tony for your love for others. We ask Lord Jesus you wrap your loving arms around those family members, and friends, as they face the days ahead without his beautiful presence. Thank you Lord for the promise of seeing him again in heaven. Thank you Jesus for the sacrifice that makes heaven possible. We love Tony and we will see you again.
Glenn & Amanda Brown has purchased Eco-Friendly Memorial Trees for Deacon Tony Patronite
Tony and I played baseball together at Cathedral Latin high school in Cleveland Ohio. We were in the same class and we were both catchers. We knew each other well and he was a very good player and a great guy. I'm not surprised that he was a good husband, father and .grandfather. I will say a prayer for him and to him tonight. Jim Martello
Tony and I were friends @ Cathedral Latin class of 1965….Did not know he was a Deacon and Living in Ca. May our Lord watch you my Brother. God Bless you and your family..🙏❤️🇺🇸
Today, June 1, 2025, I just received a notice from the Cathedral Latin alumni office of Tony's passing this past February. My deepest condolences.
Tony and I attended were classmates at Latin (class of 1965). I knew Tony prior to our Latin days as I met him through our common friend, Ed Ruppe.
There is another connection. I believe you attended Holy Name High School with my late wife, Ann Marie (Kastelic).
Be thankful that God gave you 56 years of life together. Tony is looking down on you and will always be part of you.
Tony and I shared the same home room. I remember his love of baseball. We got into minor trouble together. Got sent to visit Bro. Nurthen.
All around great guy. May he rest in peace.
Mary and family my grandpa was a neighbor of yours in North, canton Ohio . I am sorry to hear about Tony I remember spending time in your pool with the girls. I am now 61 .
My grandpa passed in 1989 .