Patrick Fred Farace

Patrick Fred Farace, 88, a resident of Bonita Springs, FL, passed away at Naples Hospital on April 7, 2021 after surgery to repair a fractured hip sustained during a fall at home a couple days prior. Patrick or “Pat” as he was known to most, was born on March 5, 1933 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. He was the first born of Pasquale F. and Mary Wassel Farace. Young Pat was educated by Catholic nuns in parochial school and learned to play basketball on the back alley courts of his Italian neighborhood. After leading Hazleton High School to a league championship, he was recruited to Saint Francis College by legendary coach, Dr. Skip Hughes, DDS (all scholarship offers included a dental plan). Pat’s four years in Loretto, PA culminated in back-to-back invitations to the “Big Dance” of the era, the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) at Madison Square Garden. Pat was captain of a team that included future NBA Rookie of the Year and HOF member, Maurice Stokes. Upon graduating with a teaching degree, Pat found his first job in Bridgeton, NJ — teaching history and coaching freshmen basketball. Two years later, he was referred for a head coaching position in Port Jervis, NY. One week before the beginning of the school year, Pat and his young bride, Anne, would load their car and drive a couple hours north where they would settle into the Tri-State Community. Pat would coach a talented PJHS varsity basketball team to a league championship in his very first season. With that successful beginning, they would settle into a community and, over the next three decades, build a family, a business, and a life. By the fall of 1962, Pat would become a father of four young boys; a successful basketball coach; a demanding, if not respected teacher; and a partner in Candy Cane Nursery School — a small business founded and operated by his lifelong love and partner, Anne. Pat’s nine months in the Geisinger Medical Center and near death experience — his discharge in the spring of 1963 almost 58 years to the day of his fall, would shape the next six decades of his life. His priorities would become clearer, his appreciation for the gift of life greater, his Catholic faith, stronger. Pat gave up the demands of coaching as his toddlers turned into boys. When he earned a graduate degree in educational administration a few years later, he moved from classroom to front office. He gained valuable experience as an assistant principal and athletic director before spending the last decade of his career in education as the principal of Port Jervis High School. When asked recently about his brightest moments — his highest achievements, his fondest roles and strongest associations, his smile broadened while his eyes watered and he replied with as little a hesitation as a lump in the throat allows, “Supporting actor — the husband half of a rewarding, enjoyable, and memorable marriage; father and mentor to four boys; point guard (assist leader) to talented teammates; coach to some fine young men (some of whom also became coaches); leader of a professional, dedicated, loyal and caring staff and faculty; and member of the Spanish Wells Men’s Tennis and Sailing Teams.” He was proud of his contribution to the long and storied basketball program at Saint Francis College — especially of his recognition in the Red Flash Hall of Fame. He was proud of his service to PJHS — especially of his role in opening more sports to young women during the implementation phase of Title IX. He was proud of the support he provided to his wife as she earned her degree in education while mothering four, teaching thirty, and serving the community. And, he was proud of the introduction and foundation he provided to his sons — both in academics and in athletics; and, of course, how the family —with the love and support of the community, endured the tragic loss of their oldest son. The time in his life that he most enjoyed was three decades of active retirement with his lifelong companion, Anne, in their south Florida home. Whether it was time together on the tennis court, watching the sun set over the Gulf, traveling, or simply enjoying time at the beach with their five grandchildren. When asked about his many blessings — he simply pointed toward the kitchen. In there, of course, was the pretty girl he had known since high school. Then he indicated how grateful he was for her delicious meals — especially the way she “doctored” leftovers (a mutual appreciation resulting from their depression era and wartime upbringing); their shared cocktail hour — a family favorite (initially inspired by a next door neighbor — a well to do banker, and developed by a circle of PJ friends); her ability to plan and organize any kind of party — from tailgate to tuxedo; her willingness to travel near and far, and on short notice, too; and the exercise they enjoyed together while on long bike rides, swimming in their pool or the ocean, and on the tennis court as mixed doubles partners. Pat was predeceased by his parents, an infant sister (Joan Mary, 1936), and first born teenage son, Barry (1973). He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Anne Sotack Farace; Bonita Springs, FL; his sons, Lt Col (US Army, retired) David (Linda), USMA 1981, Colorado Springs, CO; Rick (Britt), Moravian 1983, Annapolis, MD; Franklyn (Kim), Cornell 1985, Laguna Hills, CA; his grandchildren, Jaclyn (Jeff) Vangordan, Whispering Pines, NC; Jonathan, Arlington, VA; Kenley, Toronto, CAN; Kole and Abby, Laguna Hills, CA; and great granddaughter, Avery Vangordon. Pat is also survived by his brother, Joseph P. Farace (Elaine), his sister, Cynthia (Jimmy) Orlando, and bother-in-law, Robert J. Sotack, all of Hazleton, PA; along with several cousins, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 15, 2021. A Memorial Mass is being planned to take place in Port Jervis, NY later this year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the donor’s charity of one’s choice. We enjoyed 88 wonderful years with Pat, Pop, and Pop-Pop. In the last eight weeks of his life, he received a Covid19 vaccine (JnJ); hosted his sister and brother-in-law on a two week winter getaway in Florida; embraced his granddaughter and great granddaughter; celebrated his wife’s 87th birthday, his own 88th BD (photo), his oldest grandson’s 31st BD, his own 65th Wedding Anniversary, and, the day before his fall, The Resurrection of the Lord. Our brother, husband, father and grandfather did not leave anything on the table. We are grateful for a long life well lived. To sign his guest book or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978

Patrick Fred Farace

March 5, 1933 - April 7, 2021