It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edward N. Patrone Sr., who died peacefully of natural causes at his residence, Sunrise of Blue Bell.
Ed's story is a quintessential American dream. Born and raised in South Philadelphia as a first generation Italian-American to the late Michael & Hilda Patrone, he grew up in the deep traditions of this culturally-rich neighborhood with his eight siblings: Dominic, Michael, Frank, Anthony, Alfred, Lucy, Rita and Maryanne. Raised within the warm bonds of his family, steeped in a solid immigrant work ethic, and employing his natural gifts of connecting with people, Ed ascended to the highest ranks of the business world as well as in his personal life.
He attended Southern High School on Broad Street, serving in the US Air National Guard upon graduation. Without the benefit of a college education, he was fast-tracked to the position of CEO of the Alco Standard Corporation. While heading up this Fortune 500 company, Ed proudly received the honor of an advanced business degree from Harvard. Throughout his life, Ed traveled abroad extensively, meeting important and influential people along the way. Despite brushes with prominence and prestige, Ed's greatest qualities remained his steadfast humility, kindness, generosity and an unwavering moral compass.
These personal qualities were well-known and highly regarded in his professional circles. In retirement he was invited to serve on the Board of Directors of several local institutions including St. Joseph's University, Chestnut Hill College and other philanthropic organizations.
In 1960, he met and married the love of his life, Joan B. Patrone with whom he had a wonderful 53 year marriage until her passing in 2013. They shared in all the joys and sorrows that life brings - traveling the world together, socializing with their many friends, enjoying good meals, raising their children, even illness and growing older together in later years. Always a team, Ed and Joan loved, laughed and cried together, lovingly, as husband and wife.
Ed's love for his children - Edward N. Patrone Jr., Brian E. Patrone, Michele Jones and the late Paul R. - had no bounds. Always a patient, loving and supportive father, he was eventually blessed with several grandchildren, to whom he was equally devoted. Jennifer, Christian, Sarah, Gabrielle and Alexander spent many happy years with countless warm memories, enjoying time with their grandparents in Longport, New Jersey. Eventually, more blessings came along with great-grandchildren Kailey, Mason, Emilia, Cayden, and Kristina, the next generation to continue in the legacy and beautiful traditions established by Ed and Joan.
Ed was a lifelong, devout catholic and a member of numerous parishes, also serving as a Eucharistic minister for the elderly. He was grounded in his strong faith and a great love for family and friends, leaving a profound impact on the people in his life. He forged loving relationships with his extended family, including daughters-in-law Adrienne and Annette, son-in-law Steve, nieces and nephews, as well as numerous friends and business colleagues.
Ed is survived by sisters Rita Pomilio and Mary Anne Bongiovanni and he is predeceased by brothers Dominic, Michael, Frank, Alfred, Anthony and his sister Lucy Dielsi.
John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die."
At this time given the covid-19 situation the family is having a private mass & burial. Exceptions can be accommodated upon request.
A memorial service and celebration of the life of Edward Patrone will be scheduled for August 2021.
In lieu of flowers please send contributions to his favorite charities, The Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation The Michael J. Fox Foundation Grand Central Station P.O. Box 4777 New York, NY 10163-4777 https://www.michaeljfox.org/ or St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org
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