Patrick Michael Orsini Aug. 26, 1952-Oct. 14, 2010 Patrick Michael Orsini passed after a 14 month battle with cancer. Living every day to the fullest; his two greatest loves were raising his son Christian and fishing. Patrick was born in San Francisco and raised in Marin. He graduated from UC Berkeley and the California Maritime Academy. Patrick's professional career began with Arco Maritime as both a Ship's Officer and Northwestern Regional Coordinator. He then moved on to work with Chevron Shipping in the Bay Area and finally with the Marin Municipal Water District. Patrick leaves behind his treasured son Christian, devoted mother Kate and loving siblings Elena (Arthur), Mara Bonelli (David) and Jim along with a wonderful crew of nieces and nephews; Mia and Michael Orsini, Christina, John and Claire Bonelli. Patrick enjoyed his solitude, going fishing and spending time with his son. His robust laugh, kind disposition and sharp wit will be missed by all who knew him. He took the hand that was dealt him with calm reserve, never complaining or indulging in self pity. Instead, he took each day as an opportunity to experience something new, accomplish a task or just enjoy his life. His gentle soul has gone beyond us. A private celebration will held in Patrick's honor. The Family extends its appreciation and thanks to the staff at San Rafael Kaiser. In lieu of flowers, send contributions to the
American Cancer Society .
Lynn Regalia (Rode)
The picture on the top right was taken at our 40th class reunion.....what a shock.... he looked so happy and smiling.... another reason to live every day to the fullest! And don't forget to look at his last profile entry...the shell over his "private parts" is pretty entertaining.... what a sense of humor!
Kerry Mertle
Dear Kate and family of Pat Orsini;
Pat and I went through Hartzell, Santa Venicia and Terra Linda High School class of 1970. After elementary school, we seldom shared the same classes. I do remember that he had a very deep singing voice for a fifth grader! Thank you for sharing his life with us.
Kerry L Mertle
Michael Soden
Like Kerry, Pat and i met at Oliver Hartzel when I transfered from Blessed Sacrament in the 5th grade. Even though i have known about Pat's ilness for awhile. It still very hard to believe. Pat wanted to see as many people as he could at the reunion. Only wished i could have found Chuck Rolf, Steve Torres, Mike Callahan (aka Tuffy) for him.
The dictionary defines remberence as an act of recalling to mind. At my age that is getting more challanging. What I do rember is Pat was a very important part of my life when i was younger. Pat was a good friend with a wonderful family. Many, many good times. Thank you!!!
Michael Soden
From Steve Torres
Pat and I were great friends in Junior High, High School and for several years after that until our lives and jobs went in different directions. I was born just a few hours after Pat was in late August, 1952. Our grandmothers were coworkers in San Francisco at the time and were comparing notes on their soon to be born grandchildren. It wasn't till years later that Pat and I found out our grandmother connection by chance.
I have so many good memories with Pat and the Orsini family (stomping grapes for wine in the backyard with our bare feet) and High School garage parties (boys on one side of the garage and girls on the other – at least at the beginning), Marching Band, ski trips and 4H camp. We had so much fun. Grad night Pat and I slept on my lawn in sleeping bags with a bottle of champagne. Besides Pat and myself our gang at Terra Linda consisted of Mike ‘Tuffy’ Callaghan, Charles Rolf and Mike ‘Bubbles’ Soden (sorry Mike). We were a crew for sure.
Too many of my friends have passed recently due to cancer and a few others are being challenged by it right now. I was diagnosed with cancer 15 months ago and after surgery in August 2009 at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas I am cancer free. I am still being monitored by M. D. Anderson and make occasional trips to Houston for checkups.
My thoughts are with Pat's mom, son, Elena, Mara and Jimmy and remembering all the many good times Pat and I had.
~
Steve Torres,
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Michelle Fairlie (Wisler)
I didn't know Pat very well. We talked,laughed,and had some pictures taken at our 40th reunion. I had no idea of his condition. He was so HAPPY...I am glad he was able to attend the reunion, and glad that I made him smile and laugh. You sure will be missed!!!! Michelle Fairlie Wisler..