Obituary of Lazaro Patino

Lazaro (Al) Patino GENEVA- Lazaro (Al) Patino, 91, passed away on Fri. (July 13, 2018), after a yearlong battle with cancer. Family and friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. Tues. (July 17), at the Palmisano-Mull Funeral Home LLC, 28 Genesee St. Geneva. A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. in the funeral home. Entombment will follow in St. Mary's Mausoleum, with full military honors. Al was born on Dec. 17, 1926 to Angelina Contreras and Jose Patino in Mercedes, TX. He was one of several children. Al attended Donna High School and helped his father and brothers on their farm. He had many stories of his childhood that he loved to share. Al left Texas at age 17 to venture out into the world and landed in Geneva, NY in 1943via the Lehigh Valley train. It was at Torrey Park where he laid eyes on the woman that would become the love of his life- Frances Chelenza. While courting, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in the South Pacific during WWII. While home on leave he and Frances married on May 4, 1946. After the Air Force, they lived happily ever after for 69 years in Geneva. Despite his movie star looks, Al became a supervisor at the Hulse Manufacturing Company on Lewis St. and worked there for over 40 years. Some may remember Al from Friday night BINGO at the American Legion or as an usher every Sunday for more than 50 years at St. Francis De Sales Church. He had many passions. To name a few was feeding the birds and watching for the return of his Wrens every spring. He loved all sports and was an avid bowler and golfer. His favorite football team was the Dallas Cowboys and coached Geneva Junior League Football (The Cowboys). He loved watching the Yankees and did so every chance he got, even up to the day of his passing. We are sure that he is going to give George Steinbrenner a piece of his mind. He will also be looking up Thomas Edison to discuss all of his inventions that keeps his home functioning. Finally, he will be back with the love of his life and at peace. Al's kindness, generosity, wisdom and love will be missed by those who knew and loved him.