Obituary: Patrick Sloane Watanabe, 48, of Middletown

From Doolittle Funeral Services

Patrick Sloane Watanabe, 48, of Middletown, Connecticut, died at his home on Saturday, January 7, 2017. Born in Hartford, CT, he was a lifelong resident of Middletown. He was the son of the late Gary Watanabe and Maria Brinkmann Watanabe DeNunzio of Durham.

Patrick leaves his beloved wife of 22 years, Darlene (Michaud), and his children whom he cherished, Kobe, 15, and Maya, 13. He is also survived by his brother, Jonathan Watanabe, son of Kathleen Sheehan Watanabe, both of Middletown, and his stepfather, John DeNunzio of Durham. He also leaves his in-laws, Carol and Richard Michaud, many uncles and aunts, and a host of adoring nephews, nieces, and cousins, as well as countless lifelong friends.

Patrick was a mentor and father figure to his brother Jon after their father's death at 44. He and Jon shared many things, but most special was their bond over music and guitar playing.

Patrick adored his family and was most proud of the accomplishments of his wife and children. Like his late grandfather Stanley, he loved to cook for family. He was a rotisserie master, and his chili was just fantastic.

Patrick was a 1986 graduate of Middletown High School. As a student, he excelled in football and baseball. He was a proud member of the 1985 Blue Dragon State Championship football team. He played hockey for the Middlesex Red Devils throughout his youth, chauffeured to games by his mother at all hours to freezing rinks throughout Connecticut. His love of hockey was always on display; for every possible occasion, he had the appropriate hockey jersey.

A lifelong lover of sports, he followed his teams by seasons: the Yankees, the Jets (who knows why?), and Les Montre'al Canadiens.

Patrick retired from the Connecticut Juvenile Training Center in 2013, where he had worked as a youth services officer.

We remember Patrick as a kind, gentle, and loving soul who has left us much too soon. His caring nature, dry sense of humor, and his wonderful laugh will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Patrick's memory may be made to The Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute at the Hospital of Central Connecticut, 183 North Mountain Road, Plainville, CT 06053.

To leave online condolences, visit Doolittle Funeral Services here.