Pasquale Joseph “Pat” Abruzzese, 80, of Pottstown

Pasquale Joseph “Pat” Abruzzese, 80, of Pottstown, formerly of Pen Argyl, husband of Alita (Roma) Abruzzese, passed away on Feb. 17 surrounded by his family.

Born in Easton, he was the son of the late George A. and Josephine G. (Catino) Abruzzese.

Pat was a graduate of Pen Argyl High School class of 1960, Peirce College, Ursinus College and Spring Garden College with a B.S. in Information Technology. Before retiring in 2007, he was employed as a senior systems engineer in the IT industry. A Vietnam veteran having served in the Navy and reserves, he was a member of St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in Pottstown, the Men of Malvern Catholic retreat, the USS Orleck Foundation, Dyle E. Bray – VFW Post 739 in Bangor, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Pat’s proudest accomplishment was being a father and grandfather. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren play soccer, baseball, and perform in concerts. Family vacations to the Outer Banks were cherished and travel anywhere new was always welcome. Pat was also a big fan of football, whether high school, college or NFL (go Steelers) he enjoyed it all. He also loved many kinds of music, Broadway shows, a good drum and bugle corps competition, his Porsche, and was proud of his Italian heritage. He was a keeper of all things sentimental.

Surviving with his wife are daughters Michele Castiglioni, wife of Benjamin, and Melanie Franz, wife of David; son George Abruzzese; and grandchildren Branden, Sophia, and Giovanni. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his infant brother Joseph.


A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, Feb. 24, 11:00AM at St. Thomas More RC Church, 2102 Pottstown Pike, Pottstown, with burial in Gethsemane Cemetery, Reading. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Catagnus Funeral Home, 329 N. Lewis Road, Royersford and on Thursday from 9:30AM to 10:45AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pasquale’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or USS Orleck Navel Museum at the following link https://orleck.org/donate-now/

Add My Condolences

Pat was a childhood friend and classmate. Prayers for the family.

~ Linda Yesilonis. (Brown)
2/23/2022 9:01:08 AM

Alita we are very sorry to hear about Pat passing, we new he was sick but din’t realize how bad he was, deepest condolences And prayers to you and your. Family,
Anna Maria and Bill Verniero

~ Anna maria verniero Easton, PA
2/22/2022 9:16:50 PM

Sending deepest condolences to the Abruzzese family on this heartbreaking loss. May loving memories bring you comfort and may you find peace in knowing he lives on through you. (A donation was sent to the USS Orleck Naval Museum in his name.)

~ Ann Peyrat Goleta, CA
2/22/2022 12:50:52 PM

I will truly miss his smile and good spirits. We had such a wonderful time when he would visit Santa Barbara. My thoughts go out to the loved ones he left behind. May we rejoice in his memory and carry him with us in our actions.

~ Meghan Mcmahon
2/21/2022 10:54:57 PM

We were greatly saddened to learn that Pat had passed away. We enjoyed our chats and our allegiance to Penn State and the Steelers! What a wonderful fellow! God bless you, Alita, and your wonderful family. He was certainly proud of you all. We will be donating to St. Jude’s in Pat’s memory.

~ Dave & Sue Davis
2/21/2022 10:04:35 PM

I am the nephew of the namesake for the USS ORLECK, Lt. Joseph Orleck and for 30 years have done reunions for the men who served in her for her 37 years of active service. I didn't know Pasquale, but having Italians in my family, I know their passion for what is important to them and it is obvious that USS ORLECK was very important to him. You have my and our Associations sincere condolences and thankfulness that by faith he is in the arms of his Saviour, Jesus Christ. May God bless the family left behind.

~ Robert Orleck Randolph, VT
2/21/2022 6:42:37 PM

My condolences to his family.He was a wonderful neighbor and friend.

~ Eva Stankus Pottstown, PA
2/21/2022 4:14:22 PM

Alita and family so very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. He really was an all around guy and a great classmate. My condolences to you and your children.
Sandy Kay

~ Sandra Kay
2/21/2022 11:58:21 AM

I was so saddened by learning of Pat's passing, and always remember his smile and good humor. My sincerest condolences to you and your beautiful family.

~ Mary Alderfer
2/21/2022 10:43:41 AM

We will miss Pat and were very sad to hear of his passing. Made a donation to the Naval museum in his memory. He will be in our hearts as well as Alita.

~ Det and Kathy Tauber phoenixville, PA
2/21/2022 9:57:42 AM