Greg J Patrick

Greg J. Patrick

Age 53, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 22, 2023. Born in Canton, OH, he was a 1987 graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Louisville, OH, where he was awarded class Valedictorian and Brown University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics & History and was a four-year starter of the football team including serving as team captain in 1990. He was employed by several financial companies including Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Akron, OH, G & G Holdings, Phoenix, AZ, Aether Systems, Phoenix, AZ, American Green, Tempe, AZ and Seekr, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Greg’s true passions were family, friends and football. He was a professional football player, playing for the Detroit Lions (NFL), Calgary Stampeders (CFL) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) and the Frankfurt Galaxy (NFL Europe). He loved helping others and made friends wherever he went. He was always willing to give advice, pass on wisdom, or make the most of an enjoyable moment. Greg loved solving problems and would find solutions for almost any situation. He was a superstar. Following his career in professional football, he began coaching, serving as Defensive Coordinator at several high schools in Phoenix, Chaparral HS, Valley Christian HS, Mt. Point HS, Desert Mountain HS and Horizon HS. Greg also continued coaching, working at Texas A & M University and University of Arizona as an Offensive Analyst / Quarterbacks as well as Virginia Armanda, Major League Football, Norfolk, VA as Special Team Coordinator and Linebacker Coach. Most recently, he was Assistant Division Linebacker, Safety Coach for the USFL League New Orleans Breakers and also served as Linebacker Coach in the 2022 U.S. Army Bowl. Greg was most proud of being called “Coach” and was a member of NFCA (National Football Coaches Association). His love of football was unconditional. He was so proud of being a graduate of Brown University. Greg enjoyed golfing with his teammates and Delta Tau Delta Fraternity brothers at many weekend get togethers. He loved to travel, explore all the remains of history in this world, as well as watching Ohio State Football and sharing his thoughts about the game with his buddies.  Greg was the heart and soul of his family and was our beacon of light. He is survived by his son, Kaden Patrick of Medina: father and mother, Jerry & Geri Patrick of Akron; brother, Garin Patrick of West Palm Beach, FL; aunts: Norma Sacomani of Scottsdale, AZ, Maria Miller of Shaker Heights, OH; uncle, Paul Patrick of Canton; and many cousins. Greg is now in heaven with God, his grandparents, many aunts, uncles and friends. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday July 22, 2023, at 10:30 AM in the Santa Clara Monastery Chapel in Canton with Fr. Patrick J. Manning as celebrant. Greg will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but his legacy will continue to inspire us to live our lives with love, compassion and a willingness to lend a helping hand. Remember the joy Greg brought to ourselves and find solace in the memories shared. May his soul rest in eternal peace.  The Wackerly Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Due to Greg’s respect for the military, donations may be made in his name to the Patriot Project, 525 North Main Street, North Canton, OH 44720.                                

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