Pasquale “Pat” J. D’Antonio passed away peacefully on February 27, 2021, following 93 vibrant years of life. He was the youngest child of the late Nicola D’Antonio and Mary Rissi, both of Italy. Pat was predeceased by his first wife, Anna Pace D’Antonio, after 41 years of marriage, and was also predeceased by his second wife, Nancy Felice White D’Antonio, after 23 years of marriage.
Pat was born on August 19, 1927, and from that day on he never stopped moving. He began his schooling at Strafford Elementary and graduated from Radnor High School in 1945, where he met lifelong friends. Pat was eager to join the military during World War II and enlisted in the Merchant Marines at the age of 17. He served on the Great Lakes before transferring to the Army, with which he was stationed at Fort Lewis for three years. Pat first met Anna Pace, born in Italy but living in Germantown, when they were 12; she stole his heart and they later married in Philadelphia in 1949 upon his return from the Army.
Pat was well-known as the handyman for much of Wayne, where he and Anna made their home and raised their four children. His free time was spent doing the things he loved: generously and passionately performing household repairs for family and his many friends, solving daily crossword puzzles, and tending to tomatoes, squash, and peppers avidly in his gardens. Pat was also a devoted parishioner at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. He took tremendous pride in the many things he built and repaired for his community. After the passing of his beloved Anna in 1990, Pat joined Parents without Partners. It was in this group that he met Nancy White, originally from Philadelphia, and became a cherished family member to her father, adult children, siblings, and extended family. Together, Pat and Nancy traveled the world, including trips to Israel and his father’s hometown of Falloscoso, Italy. They lived together in King of Prussia until Nancy’s passing in 2016.
Professionally, Pat worked for many years at Bryn Mawr Electric before earning a teaching certificate at Temple University. He was a dedicated educator who taught air conditioning, refrigeration, and welding at Delco Vocational School in Newtown Square. Pat was a longtime member and past president of the Delaware Valley Appliance Repair Association. He also was a valued member of many social, service, and faith-based clubs: Lions Club, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and Men of Malvern. On many a Thursday night, Pat could be seen enjoying the pasta nights at the Italian-American Club of Wayne. Pat also enjoyed his time at the Upper Merion Senior Center, where he played the drum in the band and was a leader in the Computer Club and Sing-Alongs. He was a frequent, exuberant, master of ceremonies there, a role he loved as a natural-born entertainer.
Pat was the life of every party and frequently opened his home to family and friends. He was famous for his striking blue eyes and sharp wit. Pat was known for spicing up gatherings with clever costumes. His heroic baritone vibrato was often heard ringing out loudly at parties: usually old Italian love songs; sometimes accompanied by an accordion. He also loved dancing the jitterbug. His laughter was bellowing. The only thing Pat enjoyed more than telling a good joke was hearing a good joke, one that he could later share with others. Age did not stop him from doing the things he loved or wanting to make other people smile. Pat’s enthusiasm for life inspired all those who knew him. His impassioned spirit lives on in the many who loved him.
Pat is survived by his loving family, including four children, three step-children, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, countless nieces and nephews, and many, many other loving family members.
Due to the pandemic, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Assistance Fund, at https://tafcares.org/donors/.
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