John Joseph Patch, 44, a CRNA, of Ruffsdale, formerly from Mooresville, North Carolina passed away at Latrobe Hospital, Latrobe, PA on December 24, 2013 after a courageous fight against a rare form of sarcoma cancer.

He was born in Trenton, New Jersey, the son of William and Shirley (Hermann) Patch.

John grew up in Morrisville, PA, and moved to North Carolina when he became a nurse anesthetist. He graduated from Bucks County Community College with an Associate Degree in nursing, then he pursued his Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Gweynedd Mercy College and finally obtained his Master's Degree in anesthesia from LaRoche College.

He worked most recently for Carolina Anesthesia Associates, Peidmont Health Endoscopy Center.

John had a great love for antique cars.

John's devotion and love for his family was never ending. He had a great sense of humor that was loved by all. He was a very caring and generous person.He was much loved by many of his peers and will be sadly missed.

John was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Margaret Patch; his maternal grandparents, John and Mary Hermann; and two uncles, John Hermann III and Ronald Hermann.

In addition to his parents, William and Shirley Patch of Ruffsdale, John is survived by a sister, Cynthia (Norbert) Zdrojewski of Belle Vernon; a brother,William L. Patch Jr., from Carmel, Indiana; four nieces, Rachel L. Patch and Lauren R. Patch of Carmel, IN and Julia R. Zdrojewski and Jessica M. Zdrojewski of Belle Vernon; a nephew Joshua N. Zdrojewski of Belle Vernon; aunts and uncles, Joseph Patch of Donora, Richard (Paulette) Patch of Chardon, OH, Mary Hermann of Belle Vernon, Joyce
(Mark) Krassa of Las Vegas; dear friends Dr. Joseph (Lisa) Patrozza, Dr. Carl Foultz, and Sharon Pearce, CRNA; his labrador and best friend Sammy; along with numerous cousins.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, December 27, 2013, at Anthony L. Massafra Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 40 Second Street Extension, Donora, PA 15033 (724) 379-6900 www.massafrafuneralhome.com


A Parastas service will be held in the funeral home at 10:30 AM on Saturday followed by a Funeral Liturgy at 11:00 AM at St. Michael Byzantine Rite Catholic Church located at 511 Murray Avenue Donora, Pennsylvania 15033 with the Rev. Fr. Stephen Wahal as celebrant.

Interment will follow in St. Dominic Cemetery, Donora, PA.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

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