Tonight I received a call from a radio friend. Keith and I haven’t spoken since his last call when our close mutual friend Chuck Collins passed away. It was a bad news call as well.
Matt Patrick, long-time morning host on Akron radio had died following a two year battle with throat cancer and its complications.
Matt would tell you that his younger years were out of control. He was an alcoholic who through the grace of God found Jesus and sobriety. With sobriety he met Paula, the love of his life. Together they have a son, Jake, and two daughters Alexandra and Alanna Ryan. Matt was a proud father and a loving husband.
I remember out last phone call. He was fighting hard to beat cancer. His faith was strong and his resolve was unquestioned. I told him that I would pray for him every morning at mass, a promise that I’ve kept. And, I got to tell him what he meant to me.
“I love you buddy,” he said as we ended the call. “Love you too Matty,” I replied with same nickname He shared with my oldest son.
This past week he announced he would no longer be hosting the Morning show he loved in Houston. After consulting with his doctors, he decided to forgo any further treatment.
Less that a week later Matt was gone.
Thoughts of my own mortality filled my head. We lost Chuck, Tom, Rick, Jay, Phil and others from our WSLR/WKDD crew. And a few of us have had issues with cancer and other illnesses.
We were a young and energetic bunch of rag tag misfits, but that was 35 years ago. We grew into the mentors, managers, and leaders that we are today.
Heavenly Father, I pray for Matt today. Please hold him close and give healing strength to his family. May the example of his love for Paula, Jake, Alexandra and Alanna be an example for everyone his radio programmed touched.
Matt fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he Rest In Peace, Amen.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2017 Tony Agnesi