Patrick M. "Pat" Zill

Patrick Michael Zill SR, formally of Youngstown & Columbus OH passed away surrounded by his family at his home in Snellville GA July 18 ,2015. Patrick was born in Youngstown Ohio April 27, 1925, son of Leda Hartwell & James Zill of Youngstown Ohio. As a youngster Patrick sang on a children’s shown in Youngstown, and growing up Pat trained to be a professional boxer. Patrick was a United States Marine Honorably discharged in 1944. He was on the Marines Boxing Team and after his military duty fought in the Knights of Columbus Golden Glove tour. After a few pro fights in Youngstown his father encouraged him to quit boxing. Pat then opened a very successful nightspot, the Boathouse Lounge, in Whitehall, Ohio a suburb of Columbus. During the early years of the Boathouse a recording company promoter heard about the “Singing Bartender” and decided to have a listen. He heard Pat sing with the Don Haines Quartet and asked Pat to cut a country record in Nashville. That first single “Pick Me Up On Your Way Down” sold a million copies worldwide, made it to the top of the country charts and crossed over in to the Pop Charts. In the next several months it was followed by two more top sellers, “Keys in the Mailbox” and Heartache By The Numbers which stayed on the record charts for twenty seven weeks. The 1960”s were a glorious time for Pat. He never gave up his love of boxing and in the 1980’s returned as a trainer and manager for Pro Fighter Jeff Jordan and many others, he hosted numerous Boxing matches in Columbus OH, and his fighter fought all over the world, he was also the first to promote a Female Toughwoman contest. Patrick was an Avid Youngstown State Football fan and of course loved his Ohio State Buckeyes. He is preceded in death by both of his sisters, Mary Jean Bolchalk & Natasha Pacic. He was a loving father to son Patrick M. Zill jr (Susan) Granddaughter Chloe Zill, daughter Leda Khoury (Robert) all of Loganville GA. Son Gino Genovese of FL Grandson Gino Page RI. Daughter Patricia Wingler Grandchildren Debbie LaMay, Sherri King, and Jamie Wingler (MI) , Janice Onley & Alexander Zill OH. He had 12 Grandchildren and seven + great grandchildren.