Caroline Brocco Patronella

Caroline Brocco “Carrie“ Patronella was born in Franklin, Louisiana, on the 12th of August 1911, to Biaggio and Bonita Frasciana Brocco, and passed away peacefully on Sunday, the 20th of January 2013, in the comfort of her home of nearly 60 years. She was 101.

Carrie and her husband Anthony J. “AJ” Patronella were the owners and caretakers of Pat’s Food Center on Dumble Street in the East End of Houston. The King and Queen of Dumble, or “Mr. & Mrs. Pat” as they were affectionately known by their customers, were always there to lend a helping hand when hard times hit a friend, customer or relative. So much can be written for someone born when the horse and carriage were still America’s primary mode of transportation – but simply put, she was the matriarch of a hard working family, who lived every day of her life to help her children and grandchildren achieve success in whatever endeavor they so chose. Yes she could complain with the best, but her heart was always where God wanted it to be and her giving and selfless nature was unparalleled.

Carrie was a long time parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church and the Tapawingo Club. She loved to bake pies and cakes and always made sure that everyone who came to the store always left with a full stomach and groceries to last for weeks.

Carrie was preceded in death by her parents, Biaggio and Bonita Brocco; her husband, Anthony J. Patronella; her son, Charles W. Patronella, her daughter, Virginia Ann Patronella Mese and her husband Joseph Mese; and her great-grandson, Justin A. Patronella. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Antoinette Sedita Patronella; grandsons, Anthony J. Patronella II and his wife Mary Sue, Dr. Christopher K. Patronella and his wife Rosanne, Mark D. Patronella and his wife Maureen, Michael B. Patronella and his wife wife Dr. Allyson, eleven great-grandchildren; four great–great–grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from half-past four o’clock this afternoon until eight o’clock this evening, Tuesday, the 22nd of January, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the family is to share remembrances during a eulogy service at half-past seven o’clock.

The funeral service is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 23rd of January, in the Chapel of the Angels, within the Oak Hill Section of Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Avenue in Houston, where Deacon Louis Provenzano, of St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church, is to officiate. The interment is to follow in the Garden of Gethsemani, also at Forest Park Lawndale.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX. 77007.

“Grandma Pat - we truly are blessed to have had you as long as we did. We know the pain and heartache that you experienced throughout your life was borne out of how much you loved your family. We can never fully repay you for all of the help and head-starts that you and granddad gave to us - your four devoted grandsons and daughter. We are who we are, in part, due to the discipline, work ethic and love that both you and grand-dad gave to all of us. All we have to give in return is our gratitude and love. Thank you!!”