Obituary: Patano, Frederick Robert
Age 65
Fred was born August 23, 1948 in Kellogg, Idaho.
He is survived by his wife Sherry (O’Connor) Patano, son Ryan (Kiley) Patano, daughters Shiloh Burton and Shayne (Clayton Christmann) Burton, brothers James Michael Patano (Ann Walker), Terry (Rebecca) Patano, grandsons Ryder and Harrison Patano, and nieces/nephews Christopher, Jordan, Dominic and Marco Patano.
He was an exceptional husband, father, brother, teacher and friend.
Freddy lived life on his terms.
As an educator, Fred put the needs of the students first.
When he started the Renaissance Program at Lake City High School, he wrote the rules and created a program that rewarded students for academic performance, culminating in giving away a car to a deserving student every year.
Fred loved sports and valued his time at the family lake cabin, but most of all, he loved to fish.
Up the St. Joe, out to Kelly Creek or at Canada’s Black Gold Lodge, fishing was his passion.
He had just returned from a long-planned trip when he became ill.
There could have been no better final trip, literally the fish jumped into the boat.
Those who loved him knew that beneath the hard shell was a giant heart of gold.
Freddy was never one for overt expressions of affection, but the many he loved knew it.
He leaves behind a loving family, friends and hundreds of grateful students who all know the world without him isn’t quite the same.
He was one-of-a-kind and will be terribly missed.
Services will be held on Friday, September 6th at 11:00am at St. George’s Catholic Parrish (2010 North Lucas St, Post Falls, ID).
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Post Falls Food Bank or Kootenai Humane Society in his name.
Yates Funeral Home s has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.
Please visit Fred’s memorial and sign his online guestbook at: www.yatesfuneralhomes.com