Albert William "Deacon Al" & "Deacon Patrick" Patrick

Albert W. Patrick, peacefully passed away May 21, 2019 while surrounded by family.




Albert was born in New York, NY to Albert William and Truth Eleanor (Henderson) Patrick on May 30, 1934. He graduated from St. Emma Industrial and Agricultural Institute in 1953. He earned his Law Degree from LaSalle University in 1969. Albert attended Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit MI for three years and Nazareth College in Nazareth, MI for two years. He was the first Permanent Deacon ordained in the diocese of Kalamazoo on September 8, 1972. He went on to serve at St. Philip Catholic Church in Battle Creek, MI from 1972 to 1989. During that time he served as the Director of Religious Education, Spiritual Director of the Third Order, served on the Board of Trustees of Nazareth College, worked in Pastoral ministries at Battle Creek Health Systems and also was active in Jail Ministries for Calhoun County. Albert assisted at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Scotch Plains, NJ from 1990-1995. There he served as Spiritual Coordinator for the Third Order of St. Francis. Patrick returned to Battle Creek, St. Philip in 1995. In 1998 was assigned as Parish Administrator of St. Jerome Catholic Church from which he retired. He continued to serve at St. Philip until illness prevented in 2019.

Albert William Patrick married Delores Wilson June 20, 1954 at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Indianapolis, IN, she survives. He is also survived by his children, Kevin, Karen, Kimberly (Frank), Jason, and Melanie, 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and goddaughter DeCheena Tillman. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Michael.

The family would like to thank and recognize special caregivers Dr. Kenneth Lombardi, Mary Buckingham, Frank Hines and the staff of the Oaks at Northpointe Woods and Father Rob Johansen who provided spiritual comfort.

Deacon Patrick is remembered for his wonderful speaking voice. As his children grew up, he took them on walks, bike rides, picnics, had family softball games, always read to them and made sure they said their prayers. He was a Yankees fan, enjoyed fishing, and cowboy movies. Al will be remembered as a great storyteller, fantastic husband, loving father and adorable grandparent.

Deacon Patrick's family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church, where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2019. Committal and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools Foundation. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.