David W. Patrick

David W. Patrick returned to spirit at his home in Albany, NY on October 20, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Glens Falls, NY in 1932, he moved to Schenectady during his early childhood. He was the son of the late Clifton L. and Dorothy E. Patrick.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary-Beth and by brothers Peter (Thea) Patrick of Charlottesville, VA; Christopher (Martha) Patrick and Daryl Patrick of Sebring, FL . Survivors also include his dear friend/ sister-in-law, Patricia Steenburgh of Colonie.

He was predeceased by brothers Clifton L. Patrick, Jr. of Charlottesville, VA; John (Arlene) Patrick and Robert (Judy) Patrick of Clifton Springs, NY and Gary Patrick of Pembroke Pines, Florida.

He was the father of Robert A. (Jean) Patrick of Colonie; Danny Patrick of Albany; Colleen (Mark) DeCarlo of Cooper City, FL; Debra (Garry) VanAlstyne of Ballston Lake and K'Deen DiCocco of Rotterdam and he is survived by several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Dave lived a full and vibrant life. He enlisted in the US Army at the age of 17 and was a member of the Army Tank Corp, serving his country for three and one-half years. Following honorable discharge, he spent eight years at the VA Hospital in Albany where he became Head Baker. Employee unrest led him to organize his co-workers into Local 200, BSEIU, AFL-CIO. Dave then moved on to a career as a full-time union organizer where he ultimately rose to the position as president of Local 200D.

Never hesitant to "walk the walk," Dave could be found handcuffed to a priest during an organizing drive, leading a picket line or marching on Washington on any given day.

As a respected member of the labor movement, Dave was able to realize his dream of bringing health care and pension benefits to the least appreciated people in workforces throughout upstate NY. He was honored to have been present when Governor Rockefeller signed into law the right for public employees to organize in the state of NY. He was humbled when recognized with the Union Label award and made grand Marshall of the Albany Labor Day parade. He established a scholarship fund for the union members in memory of a dear friend and employee of the Union. He was dedicated to negotiating the best benefits and working conditions he could possibly obtain for his members and he proudly championed the labor movement.

Civil rights were very important to Dave and he became very active in the movement during the 1960's. He felt strongly aligned with the Civil Rights movement and supported "The Brothers" organization, here in the Capital District.
Dave was an avid golfer and bowler. He loved politics, dabbled in thoroughbred horse racing, and enjoyed sports and cooking for his friends and family. He was a strong supporter of St. Jude's Children's hospital and well known for his extreme kindness and generosity.

Special thanks to Alice Baker, RN and Sherrie Bonano, CNA of Albany Community Hospice as well as Charles Trout, MD and RN Shannon of St. Peter's Partners.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105

Calling hours will be on Friday, October 21, 2016, at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY from 4:00 pm to 8:00pm. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, October 22, 2016, at 10:30 am. Interment at Memory Gardens, 983 Watervliet Shaker Rd, Albany, NY, will take place immediately following services