Lawrence "Larry" E. Patton, Sr.

Lawrence "Larry" E. Patton Sr., 86, of McAdoo was called home to the Lord peacefully and surrounded by his family Wednesday afternoon following a lengthy illness.

Lawrence was born in McAdoo on Nov. 21, 1934. He was the son of the late Alexander and Teresa (Boyle) Patton. Lawrence was a lifelong McAdoo resident, attending St. Patrick's Elementary School and McAdoo High School, a member of the Class of 1952.

Lawrence joined the U.S. Army shortly afterward. He was a veteran of the Korean conflict, serving from 1954 to 1956. He was wounded while serving in the army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Lawrence married the love of his life, Rose Marie Tomaino, on Nov. 10, 1956, at Most Precious Blood Church by the Rev. Joseph Ferreira in Hazleton. Larry and Rose Marie celebrated their 64th anniversary this past November.

Together, they had three children, Grace and her husband, Patrick Smith; Lawrence Jr.; and John and his wife, Trish Patton.

Larry and Rose are the proud grandparents of Jessica (Patton) and her husband, Maxwell Gomez; Patrick Smith and his wife, Alexa Smith; Janine (Patton) and her husband, Joel Kreider; and John Patton. Lawrence is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Lawrence worked at All Steel Inc. until his retirement in November 1996. Afterward, he joined his son, Larry, as a partner in Patton and Patton Accounting until falling ill.

Lawrence was a standout three-sport athlete in high school and lifelong sports fan. He was most invested in Notre Dame, the Philadelphia Phillies and Marian Catholic sports. He spent 12 years as a Little League coach for McAdoo Manufacturing, garnering the McAdoo Little League titles in 1966 and 1970. He also coached the 1975 McAdoo All Star team, winning their only district title. Larry later served as a CYO basketball coach for several years, winning the District 5 championship with McAdoo Catholic in 2005. The highlight of his sports career was the opportunity to coach both his sons and grandson.

Lawrence was actively involved in his community and a devout catholic throughout his life. He was an active member of the Men of Marian for several decades, adding the bleachers and building the press box at Men of Marian Stadium, which are still in use today. As a member of St. Patrick's/All Saints church in McAdoo, Larry served the Lord as a lector for more than 50 years and gifted his voice to the church choir for 20 years. Larry may hold the record for most miles traveled to attend Marian Catholic sporting events, watching since 1970.

Larry was never hesitant to lend a hand to anyone in need, especially as a decades-long volunteer at St. Patrick's/McAdoo Catholic elementary school, where he won the hearts of many students.

Lawrence was the last surviving member of his parents and siblings, preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Alexander, William, Eugene, Robert, Francis, John, James, Joseph and Charles; and sisters, Marie (Fairall) and Teresa (Wahl).

A funeral service will be held with a Mass of Christian Burial at noon Friday at All Saints Parish, 17 N. Cleveland St., McAdoo. Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for a visitation from 10 a.m. until the start of the service. Any restrictions due to COVID-19 will apply and the church requires you to wear a mask.

Arrangements are under the direction of Damiano Funeral Home Inc., 24 E. Blaine St., McAdoo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to All Saints Parish or Marian Catholic High School in his honor.

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