I have just now learned of the passing of Mr. Patti.  I find it ironic because he had been on my mind for a couple of months now.  I found myself remembering Civics class.  He made it so interesting with his stories, his profound love to teach, and his jokes that you had to find funny.  He left a very pleasant imprint in my brain and my heart.  I will always remember such a fine teacher.  My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Patti and the family.  
Elsie Martinez


My condolences to the family. Mr. Patti was the first principal I worked with when first moving to Alpine. He was a wonderful and caring person. My thoughts and prayers are with the Patti family during this difficult time.

Heather, Joe & I are thinking of you and your family at this time. Saddened by your loss.

Tom and Rusty were part of our Village Inn family.  Our favorite tables were right next to each other and we usually saw them on Thursdays.  We loved talking to Tom about Fox News, his latest historical or biographical read,  the stock market,  his kids or grandkids, or dozens of other subjects.  Tom was a smart, witty, educated, truly kind, family-oriented,  book-loving, special man.  We will miss him very much.  Rusty and family, our prayers are with all of you.  May your memories sustain you until you and Tom meet again.

I remember Civics class so clearly. I was a pretty a quiet person back in high school. I sat in the front of the class and you picked on me once in awhile, you probably helped me get out of my of my shyness. I remember you always picked on the guys in the back of the class also how they were not themselves (our class was after lunch and we used to walk from the elementary school caferteria back to our high school and some would partake if you know what I mean) never a dull moment in his class. Your class was my favorite class in high school, thank you for all you did for us! I am proud to say my final grade in Civics was a 98. It pays to sit in front! God has gained an Angel! 
My condolences to the Patti family.
Rest in Peace Mr. Patti 🙏

Mr Patti was a wonderful teacher and I always have fond memories of him

Mr. Patti was a great person I personally didnt see him as much but grandma was always talking about him and how much she cared about him.  She had alot of stories about Mr. Patti. I know that he he was a reader, that was what my grandma had told me. Im grateful for the books he got me for my birthday and christmas. He has officially lived a 1000 lives by reading wonderful book and traveled the world of history so Im told. Ive met Mr Patti quite a few times at family functions hes a one of a kind person ,truly generous and a very kind man. He was family, but he was our Santa Clause for my brothers and sister, cousins and me.  Thank you for all you did for my family you will be greatly missed  by us the DUBY and Lopez family  ❤❤❤❤. 

My deepest condolences to the family our prayers are with you 

Mr. Patti taught my entire freshman class in the auditorium and had to use a microphone so we could all hear him.  He was a great teacher that encouraged his students.  I will never forget the first time I heard him say “Pecan!”  He pronounced it “pee-can!”  Mr. Patti’s love of history was evident.

I will always remember your genuine smile and caring heart.

Tom I miss you already.  We have been friends for almost 30 years.  You were my connection to CISD and El Paso (thanks to Rusty).  When I fist got to Canutillo I couldn't imagine what an Okie from NW  Oklahoma and a longshoreman from NY would have in common.  Those first 6 years at CISD we spent  more time together than we did with our families.  You could tell a story with a straight face better than anyone I'd ever met.  My favorite was when I asked how a New Yorker ended up in the Rio Grande Valley, you told me about your full ride football scholarship to Sul Ross.  It wasn't till some time later that I realized Sul Ross didn't play football back then.  You were my friend, my teacher, my mentor and Gayla and I will miss you, always.  Our condolences to your family.  Your staff loved you, your students loved you and we love you.  My life and so many more are so much better off because you were a part of our lives.   Earth just got a little  darker and heaven  much brighter because you are there, watching over all of us.  And we thank you.  I will see you someday again my friend.  Thank you again for being a part of our lives.

In response to a joke/question "Why study history? There's no future to it." Mr. Patti responded that history is written by the winners (and by those in power) and the study of history is a search for truth and for that reason historical events should be reexamined and continually reappraised as new knowledge is acquired and new voices are allowed to offer their perspective to our narrative.
This was my take home lesson from Mr. Patti who taught my World History Class, and that lesson has stayed with me ever since. He was a great influence on my life.

It was early my Senior year, or late my junior year, I was leaving at lunch to go pick up my Senior Ring and I was “ditching” class to do it - campus was closed for lunch - as I walked out I ran into Mr. Patti - I was a rule follower and knew I was about to get in trouble for ditching class, Mr. Patti looked at me, smiled and said, “have a good day!”  He knew what I was doing and he gave me the “go ahead.” He was tough, fair, and loved his job, students, teachers, and most especially his family - a leader among leaders - a truly kind person - he has often been thought of over the years and will he missed! Thank you Diego Alvarado  for sharing this  sad news.  RIP Mr Patti - you’ve done good work and we are all better for having known you! 

My deepest condolences to the Patti Family!  I will always have Mr. Patti in my heart!! He was the most sweetest, kind, honest and most of all a very Generous man.  He truly was a God sent when he came to work for Canutillo ISD.  I will always be proud to call him my FRIEND!!  Mr. Patti, Rest in Peace with your son!!!    

Mr.Patti you were the most engaging teacher! I remember reading Future Shock for civics class in 1972-73. I was totally mesmerized! Loved your stories about teaching on the reservation! Had I known you were in El Paso I would have come to see you.  
Heart hugs to your family.   He was a jewel. 

I appreciated Mr. Patti as my principal at Cautillo Middle School. He asked the best of us and always gave us his best. He respected people for who they were, and was always fair. My deepest condolences to all his family.

Always Will Remember This Back in High School 1993's The Flood in The Hallway Rest in Peace Mr Patti... Unforgetable Memories

Anyone that causes sadness 40 years after teaching a high school civics class, was a great man. Mr Patti was one of my favorite memories of high school. 

First and foremost, my deepest of condolences to Mrs. Patti and the family. He truly was a family man and loved you all dearly. 
Secondly, Mr. Patti was NOT a hugger by far, but after a long, long while he accepted hugs because I would tell him it was “a cultural thing and because he worked with many Hispanics, He could not get away with it!” He would laugh and turn super red faced and eventually gave in...Mr. Patti you  were a  great boss to work for showing compassion and understanding for many situations that a man in your position would have to deal with, not only with your staff, but also with the students and support staff. I will never, ever forget the protection you offered me when going through the most difficult time of my life. Heaven has gained a true leading Angel. R.I.P

Greatest civics teacher ever! Funny and brutally honest! Could see into your soul. Rest easy Mr. Patti,, we all loved you!

Mr. Patti was by far my favorite teacher in all my school years. I wasn't exactly a model student and he was able to keep my attention and make it fun.  He was also an awesome principal.  Saved my dear more than once. 
 I've never forgotten you and thank you Sir! GO BUCKS!

Mr. Patti was my history teacher at Alpine High School.   He made history not so boring, always had us laughing.  On our high school annual by his picture he wrote, " History is fun under me" and it was!   He was a great person with a big heart.  My deepest condolences to his family.  


My sincere and deepest condolences for the Patti family.  My prayers are with you.

I called him "Daddy" Patti. He always laughed at that! He was my mentor, my friend, and my substitute parent when I needed one. I tried to think of a story I could tell...so many! Remember the planning calender he kept on his podium? Boy were there some awkward things on that! Of coarse he had to discuss it with the class! My love of country, history and the political process were his doing. I loved the history behind the history! I have thought of him often. I never met a person that disliked him. 
Heaven is going to be a much more interesting with him there! 
Yes, he will be missed, but the memories will keep us smiling! 

Mr. Patti was a generous, compassionate man. He gave me my first teaching job at Canutillo Middle School and gave me the ability to believe in myself and respect the journey of others . I have never forgot my humble beginnings nor the support Mr. Patti gave me when our baby girl, weeks old, came down with a terrible infection which  placed her in ICU ; he immediately came to my room and told me. "Marrufo get out of here and go be with your baby". He took care of my extended absence by enlisting the support of the campus to donate sick days. This is who Mr. Patti was to me and to so many people . My deepest condolences to the family. He will be missed;always loved.

I fondly recall Mr. Patti’s accent and presence throughout my time at Canutillo High School—he is a part of what made CHS great and is missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Patti and family. Mr. Patti was the best of the best in school administration, but more importantly he was a truly a good man. He will be missed! RIP Mr. Patti. You will forever be in my heart. 

Mr. Patti was my principal when I was in middle school, when Alderete used to be Canutillo Middle School. I will always remember when he would get on the PA system and sing Happy birthday to either the teachers or some of the students. It was always a joy hearing him joke after he would finish singing.
He obviously made an impact on my life, as he would find ways to make us laugh and cheer us up. My deepest and sincerest condolences to the family. May he rest in peace.

Mr.Patti was my high school principal in Alpine & was a very caring, kind man. He is the kind of principal & person that should lead every school. My love & prayers to the family.

Mr patti was my history teacher when I was in high school, he also was the principle , may he Rest In Peace he will always be remembered  prayers to the family

Mr. Patti was a great principal. He sang awful versions of Happy Birthday to us over the announcements and gave us outrageously old ages. He called us the Misfits. He trusted us as professionals. A rarity indeed!

Visitation

Memorial Service

Graveside Service

Russell Ann Patti

William J. Patti

Chantry Patti

John Morgan Patti

Luke Gray Patti

Shannon Watson

Heather Patti

William J. Patti Jr.

John Anthony Patti

Mr. Patti is also survived by his daughters-in-law Angie, Myrna and Melissa; and son-in-law Keith.  His grandchildren, Willie, Orrin, Tyler, Riley, Rachel, Ali, Ryan, Ginger, Amber, Madison, and Emma and his great-grandchildren, Corina, Kylie, Justin, Isaac, KK, Ava, Kerry, Tripp, and Deklan.

OBITUARY

Thomas J. Patti

November 19, 1940 – February 20, 2019

Martin Funeral Home

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