Richard J. Patronsky died on March 7, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. Rick, as he was known, was born October 21, 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up on a farm near Aurora, Ohio. He is preceded in death by his brother Steve, his father John, and mother Suzan Bence.
Rick graduated from Aurora High School and received an engineering degree from The Ohio State University. His college education was interrupted by 4 years’ service in the United States Coast Guard during World War II. He was a gunner’s mate, seeing action in the Pacific Theater.
Rick worked for the United States Soil Conservation Service following his graduation from college until his retirement in 1984. His assignments took him to Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana and Nebraska. He was a registered engineer in the latter two states.
Rick married Barbara Anne Buckingham in 1946. They enjoyed square dancing and travel, visiting most states and a number of foreign countries. Barbara was a school teacher, and when she passed away he established a fund for the enrichment of teachers in Lincoln, Nebraska, where they were living.
Rick was an accomplished fisherman, and passed his love of fishing to his family and to many others whom he met over the years. He also enjoyed hiking and bicycling. When he was 62 he cycled solo across the state of Nebraska, mapping out his own route as there were no established trails at the time. He also served as a Scoutmaster for 15 years for troops in Ohio and Wisconsin.
Rick married Barbara Jean Forester in 1977; they were divorced in 2013.
Rick is survived by his three children – Mark, Ross and Neal, nephews John and Steve, and by two grandchildren – Daniel Patronsky and Ariana Stempel.
