Patrick John Fish

Submitted by laurie on Tue, 01/17/2012 - 16:33

Patrick John Fish, 72, of Ballston Lake passed away peacefully on January 15, 2012 in Glens Falls after a valiant 12-year battle with cancer.

Born January 2, 1940 in Granville, NY to the late Edward Floyd Fish and Anna Rose Tomascewska. Pat married his college sweetheart, Mary Grace Cordone, in 1962. He attended Notre Dame University, Norwich College and graduated from Hartwick College in 1963. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1960 as an infantryman and served honorably until 1966.

He received a Juris Doctor from Albany Law School in 1967. In his early years, Pat was active in the Legal Aid Society and continued the spirit of providing pro bono counsel until his death. He was an attorney for the New York State Assembly before being recruited by the New York State Department of Corrections in 1971 just days after the Attica uprising. He was instrumental in instituting prison reform. At age 35, he rose to the position of Chief Counsel to the Commissioner, the youngest to have held that position in Department history. He later worked for NYS Environmental Conservation and Facilities Development Corporation before entering into private practice. Pat was a Saratoga County Law Guardian and an advocate for both young and old.

Pat loved the outdoors and the Adirondacks. He enjoyed skiing, sailing, hiking, mountain climbing, camping and in his later years being a devoted “Papa” to his 7 grandchildren. He also loved his sport teams: the Boston Red Sox and the Fighting Irish. He was the oldest member of a team that biked across NYS in support of the 1987 Environmental Bond Act, a lector at Corpus Christi Church, member of Mensa, ADK Mountain Club, and Sierra Club.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and Vernon Fish. Pat is survived by his wife, Mary Grace, daughters Erin Fish, Patricia (John) Pugliese, Cristin (Patrick) Lentlie, grandchildren, Alexa, Amanda, Jack, Isabella, Haley, Christopher and Rachela, and brothers, Edward and Donald Fish.

A memorial mass will be held 9:30 am Friday, January 20 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Miracle House, 80 Eighth Avenue, Suite 315, New York, NY 10011-5126 (www.miraclehouse.org)

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Jennifer Bingham Johnson

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 14:01.

Dear Mary, Erin, Trisha, and Chrissy,

Pat was instrumental in changing the direction of my life at a point when many of my family did not believe a change was possible. I remember after our many talks that I was always hopeful about the possibilities in any given situation. I am forever grateful to him for all that he did for me and my family over the years. I will miss him.

Bill & Lynn Pauquette

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 01/19/2012 - 20:10.

Dear Mary Grace and girls:

We are so sad to hear about Pat. He was a wonderful friend to Bill for many many years. We send our sincere sympathy to you all. We will always remember him with a smile on his face and a cheerful word for everyone.

Tom O'Brien

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 01/19/2012 - 19:56.

Mary Grace and Erin: I meet Pat once in 1965 when he visited my Dad at our home to discuss legal careers with the State. I remember my Dad was fond of Pat and wanted to be a part of his future. Shortly after my Dad died unexpectedly, I left Albany and I lost touch with most of my cousins. A couple of months ago I happily re-connected with Leo, and met Pat once again at Leo’s memorial in December. The twinkle in his eye as we briefly spoke communicated to me that this was a man who had lived and loved life, and contributed to family and society. Mary Grace and Erin, I am sad for your loss and the loss I now feel by never being close enough to be part of the “extended family”. Knowing that no man does it on his own, and in reading his inspiring bio, I know you are part of that life of accomplishment. To the accomplishments - congratulations, for your loss, I am truly sorry. cousin Tommy O’Brien

Fred & Sylvia Sievers

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 01/19/2012 - 16:50.

I had he distinct pleasure of working with Pat at Region 4 of DEC. I was involved with the Water Program and Pat was assigned to handle most of our cases. The pleasure of working with Pat centered on his willingness to represent the needs of the Program yet be willing to work with the defendant to achieve a compromise. The most humorous thing I remember was the day Pat lit his waste basket on fire After leaving the Region I again encountered Pat in Round Lake where our family ran a pumpkin patch. I much enjoyed Pat and hope that now he will enjoy the peace he deserves. Fred Sievers

Gretchen & Roland O'Brien-Bills

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 01/18/2012 - 13:21.

Dear Mary Grace and family, Roland and I were so sorry to hear of Pat's passing. It has been great seeing both of you the past few years thru Leo. I know you will all miss him terribly. We will keep you all in our prayers.

Judy & Dwight Kelsey

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 01/18/2012 - 11:21.

Dear Mary and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Pat was a wonderful man that everyone loved and respected. Even though we are in Florida right now, I was still able to see the new star in the sky last night, and hope your many memories help ease your sorrow.

Jennie and Richard VanWormer

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 01/18/2012 - 02:25.

Mary and Family, We are so Sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, father, and grandfather. Pat was such a Wonderful and Caring person. He will be deeply missed. He is now in Heaven with the Angels and God taking very Good care of him and playing with all of his Sheltie Friends too!!!