Donald Julius Patlen

Donald Julius Patlen, Sr., 82 years old, died unexpectedly at Saint Clares Hospital, Denville, N.J., on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015. Born to Theodore and Maria Patlen in Passaic, N.J., where he was raised and lived before moving to Sussex, N.J. in 1969.

Donald served with the United States Army and then worked as a mason for Bricklayer and Allied Craftworkers Union Local #4, Fairfield, N.J., for more than 50 years, retiring in 1995. He received a BA in Business from Fairleigh Dickinson, was in their Sports Hall of Fame and was their first professional sports contract signer, there in 1956 signing with the New York Giants baseball team. He also played basketball there and is recognized in both the Passaic and Bergen County Sports Halls of Fame for his sports achievements. He enjoyed trips to the casinos and was a doting grandfather.

Donald was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy(2009) and 2 brothers, Theodore and Alan Patlen and was the devoted father of Donald J. Patlen, Jr. of Sussex, NJ, Darren Patlen of Spartanburg, S.C., and Darlene Rocco and her husband, Ralph, of Wantage Twp., N.J. Loving grandfather of Allie, Ralphie and Haylie.

The family will receive their friends at Ferguson Funeral Home, 27 Third Street, Sussex, NJ on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, from 9-11 a.m. Funeral service will commence at 11 a.m. at the funeral home and interment to follow at Clove Cemetery, Wantage Twp., N.J. Information and condolences can be found at www.fergusonsussexfuneralhome.com.