John P. Patritto

WAUSAU, Wis. - John P. Patritto, 89, of Medford, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, with his wife by his side.

He was born on Aug. 29, 1932, in Ironwood, Michigan, to the late Felix and Erma (Cornolo) Patritto of Hurley. He was a 1950 graduate of the Lincoln High School in Hurley. John was very proud of his Italian heritage.

A funeral mass for John will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery will take place at a later date. Initial visitation has taken place at Hemer Funeral Home and will continue on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

John's six great-children will serve as pallbearers.

On Sept. 4, 1954, he was united in marriage to Elvira Ring at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley.

He attended Gogebic Community College and was a 1955 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Superior, with a bachelor degree in elementary education. Later he received his master's degree in administration at the same college.

His first teaching position was at the Junior High in Iron Belt. Then he taught and coached basketball at St. Ambrose High School in Ironwood until 1958, at which time he accepted a seventh grade teaching and coaching position in Medford, Wisconsin. Later he became the middle school principal until his retirement in 1989.

He served as President of the Medford Teacher's Association, WIAA Junior High Advisory Board, member of the Wisconsin Education Association, a lifetime member of the National Education Association, president of the Taylor County Retired Teachers Association, member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, former member and officer of the Medford Men's city League Bowling.

He was an avid basketball player, playing from grade school through college. After which he played for several city leagues including in Medford. He was involved in sports all his life, playing and coaching. John was inducted into the Hurley Hall of Fame for sports in July of 2000. He also played baseball with several different teams. He was a member of Tee Hi in two of the men's leagues and the mixed couple's league.

In addition to his wife of 66 years, John is survived by a loving son, David Patritto; special grandchildren, Heather (Jesse) Campbell, Brandon (Crystal) Buehler, Lauren and Hailey Patritto; six lovable great-grandchildren, Dawson, Aydin, Asher, Kiptyn, Kynli Campbell and Gavin Buehler; a sister, Maryjane Petersen; and a brother, James (Darlene) Patritto. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his daughter, Debra J. Buehler (twin of David); sister, Lucia M. Patritto; and brother-in-law, Winton Petersen.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at hemerfuneralservice.com.