Obituary: Patrick J. “Pat” Campioni

Hancock: Patrick J. “Pat” Campioni, 76, a well known Hancock and U. P. wide business owner of Pat’s Foods, passed away at his winter residence in Wildwood, Florida on Monday, January 22, 2018 with his family at his side. He suffered from Parkinson’s Disease.

He was a graduate of Hancock High School and attended Gogebic Community College in Ironwood. He was a former volunteer fireman for the Ripley Fire Department, and was proud to be from the Copper Country.

He met his wife Jan in 1965 and was married in 1966. He was a warm and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Pat worked at Gitzens, Star Bakery, Horner Flooring, and was a Copper Country Dairy distributor for eight years. After having grown up over the grocery store started by his grandparents and later run by his parents, he realized his dream of owning his own store in 1976 when he opened Pat’s Foods in Hancock. He and Jan opened more stores and enjoyed the grocery business until their retirement. As a business owner, Pat was grateful for the contributions of his many employees throughout the years.

Pat was blessed with some very good friends, including Phil and Judy Monticello. He was a long suffering Detroit Lions fan, no matter what. Pat also believed in giving back to his community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Margaret Campioni, his brother William, his sister Mary Ann Crooks, and a nephew Mark Crooks.

He is survived by his wife Janice (nee Koch), his daughters Debi LaRue, Julie (Mike), and Maria (Matt) Vertin; his sons Joe (Angela) and Ben (Kim); his seven grandchildren: Chad LaRue, Tyler Vertin, Taylor Vertin, Cayden Campioni, Myah Campioni, Carter Campioni, and Evelyn McCurdy; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A local memorial service will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a local food pantry in your area in Pat’s honor.

The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.

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