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John H. Patrician

April 27, 1923 — December 17, 2017

John H. Patrician

John Patrician was the widower of Mary Jane (Raubenhold) Patrician who died November 25, 2003. Together they had shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 27, 1923, he was the son of the late John Henry Patrician Sr. and Mabel Ida Kauffman. John Sr, was a reverend and Shakespearean actor who traveled up and down the east coast performing in various theatre productions. Interestingly enough, during one acting venue  the playbill listed his last name as "Patrician". In actuality the true family name was "Patrican", being of Irish descent. Much to the consternation of the rest of the family, especially his own Father, John Sr. decided to change the "Patrican" name officially to "Patrician". Of course this significant name change would subsequently be carried over to his next of kin. John Jr. was of the Protestant faith and as a young boy would be taken to church to listen to his Father's sermons, much to his dismay. What young boy wants to sit in church while he can be outside playing with his friends?!  John was a graduate of Hamburg High School and also Albright College in Reading, PA. While at Albright, he received an MS and BS in science and medicine. He also attended The University of Pennsylvania and University of Temple. During World War II he served in the capacity of medic with the 15th Air Force in Italy, and was the recipient of the distinguished Purple Heart medal. After the war, he was employed by the Carpenter Technology Corporation, now know as Carpenter. John was the foreman for the entire Chemistry Group Research and Development Center. After his retirement he taught himself how to paint and always joked that his best works were hung in the prestigious Louvre Gallery in Paris, France. He excelled mostly in painting shore scenes where much of his creativity derived from his many trips to various beaches in different states. John was a noted athlete of basketball and tennis, having been inducted into the Hamburg Area High School Sports Hall of fame, and also received various trophies and awards over his younger years, Track was another sport he excelled at and enjoyed watching and attending numerous sporting events. Being an avid hiker, John especially loved traversing the many scenic areas of Berks County, especially Blue Marsh Lake. Hiking to the Pagoda on a Sunday morning with his daughter Valaree was a memory he always cherished. He also loved fishing at Bernville Dam and Lake Ontelaunee. John spent many years with the family on the Eastern Shore of Virginia boating and fishing, and also delighted visiting Chincoteague Island, noted for its wild ponies. His daughter Valaree resided on the island and ran a small art shop which John would willingly help out at. He also enjoyed sharing photos of the wonderful trips he took with his wife, their special favorites being Ireland and England. He loved animals and raised several dogs and cats over the years (Do tropical fish count)? He was a warm and generouis soul who will be greatly missed by his daughter, Valaree Patrician of Grandview Terrace in Hamburg, nieces Gail Grill, Connie Bachman, Lori Moyer, all of Hamburg and Shelley Olsen, of North Carolina. Also a sister Mary Patrician Megee of Delaware, and her 4 children: William Jr., Linda, Melissa and Andrew, and a cousin Nancy Kramer. In lieu of flowers, please remember John with contributions to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, 58 Kennel Road, Birdsboro, PA  19508-8302  Services are private .The Burkey & Driscoll Funeral Home, Inc. Hamburg is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.burkeydriscoll.com

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