CHARLESTON — Father St. John Edward Patat, a retired priest of the Diocese of Charleston, died Nov. 10 at the age of 89.
Born in Charleston on April 17, 1912, he was the son of Leon P. Patat and Rosa O’Mara Patat. He attended Craft Public School and the High School of Charleston. He studied at the Catholic University of America in Washington and later attended St. Charles Seminary in Catonsville, Md., and St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore.
He was ordained to the priesthood in Charleston on May 24, 1942, by Bishop Emmet M. Walsh.
In four and a half decades of priestly ministry, Father Patat served as associate pastor of St. Patrick Church in Charleston and St. Anne Church in Sumter. He served as pastor of St. Joseph Church in Charleston, St. Joseph Church in Anderson, St. Mary Church on Yonges Island, Divine Redeemer Church in Hanahan, Blessed Sacrament Church in Charleston, and St. John Church in North Charleston.
Father Patat taught at Bishop England High School in Charleston and St. Angela Academy in Aiken and served as the vice rector at Bishop England.
He was also chaplain to The Citadel Newman Club, member of the Diocese of Charleston Liturgical Commission, moderator of the Theological Conference Committee, chaplain to the scouting program, and friar to the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.
Father Patat retired from active ministry on April 8, 1987.
A vigil service was held at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on Nov. 13. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at the Cathedral by Bishop Robert J. Baker on Nov. 14. Burial followed at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Of Father Patat, Bishop Baker said, “In the short time I’ve known him, I’ve found him to be a model priest devoted to the Lord through deep prayer and a great love of the church. He always greeted me with a smile and a humorous quip and remained in good spirits despite illness. I know his brother priests will miss him, as will all who came to know him through his loving pastoral care.”
Messages of condolence may be sent to Mr. and Mrs. Leon Patat, 2148 Clauton Drive, Charleston, SC 29414. Memorial contributions may be made on Father Patat’s behalf to the Priests’ Retirement Fund for a residence for retired priests.