Obituary of Peter A. Patala

Peter A. Patala, Jr., 70, of Rome, passed away March 30th at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N. Y. The son of the late Peter and Doris Patala, Peter was born and educated in Rome. He was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where he was on the collegiate cross-country team. He enjoyed a successful career as an investment analyst on Wall Street for many years and served as a member of the Air National Guard. In 1976, Peter returned to Rome and served as Executive Director of the Rome Housing Authority, a position he held for over twenty-four years. He married Carole Petinelli, who has resided in Las Vegas for several years. Upon his retirement in 2002, Peter devoted time to his passions for animals, golf and reading. He was a Board member of the Humane Society of Rome, Inc., and devoted many hours walking dogs who needed love and exercise. Peter was a long-standing member of Kanon Valley Country Club, and took his golf extremely seriously. He is survived by his brother, Terrell Patala of Boynton Beach, Florida, his beloved partner, Jean Fontana of Rome and her family, Mrs. Saul (Barbara) Fontana, sisters Anne Fontana, Nancy Fliss, Mary Fontana Morba and her husband Tom, and Sally Fontana, and her husband and his friend William Clark. His nieces and nephews are Arlene, Caroline, Catherine, Trevor, Anna, Olivia, Georgie, and Ryleigh. Peter was predeceased by his friend and brother-in-law, Jack Fliss. A memorial mass will be held at 2:00, April 7th at Transfiguration Church, 111 Ridge Street, Rome. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Smiletrain.org., Jervis Public Library, or the Humane Society of Rome, Inc. Building Fund. Condolences may be offered at www.BarryFuneralHome.com