Patrick H. “Moose” Faircloth, Jr. passed away suddenly at his home in Milford, Pa., on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012. He was 48.
Patrick was born on Oct. 5, 1963, in Cornwall, N.Y., to Patrick H. Faircloth, Sr. and Mary Faircloth, who welcomed him joyfully and raised him and his sister in Hewitt.
Patrick married his best friend and muse, Ronni Springer, on June 27, 1993, and became a dad to Ronni’s son, Raymond J. Eckert, who was only six years old at the time. Patrick graduated from West Milford High School in 1981 with honors in Spanish, which served him well as he traveled the world from 1981-1985 aboard the U.S.S. Concord (AFS-5) as an MS (Mess Management Specialist), attaining the rank of MS-3 in the U.S. Navy. It was on the high seas that Patrick first acquired a life-long love of the culinary arts, and found his spiritual compass pointing to all things creative and adventurous.
For the past 17 years, Patrick was employed by the Pike County Office of the Aging. Working with the elderly became a vocation for Patrick, whose compassion and inimitable sense humor won the hearts of colleagues and clients alike. He charmed the ladies in his care, and many claimed to feel years younger just by being in his warm and gregarious presence. Previously, Patrick worked his magic in the kitchen, as a chef extraordinaire at a number of area restaurants.
Patrick was a gifted guitarist and musician, who performed frequently and used his talents to raise funds for various causes. He often integrated music into his work, bringing joy – often in the form of doo wop – to people struggling with severe disabilities. Patrick also had an entrepreneurial spirit, and was the proud owner of MooseTracks Records in Port Jervis, N.Y., from 1988 to 1993.
Patrick had a child’s sense of wonder at the natural beauty of Pike County and loved to snorkel on the Delaware River. He was a passionate political debater and raconteur. Patrick was an avid treasure hunter, but gave up metal detecting when he became a champion of gravity conservation and an honorary member of the World Gravity Commission.
Patrick is survived by his wife, Ronni Faircloth, of Milford, Pa.; son, Raymond J. Eckert and daughter-in-law, Lisa Eckert of Milford, Pa.; parents, Patrick H., Sr. and Mary Esther Phillips Faircloth, of Lillington, N.C.; maternal grandmother, Asia Phillips, of Lillington, N.C.; sister, Hope Zivitski, and brother-in-law, Sam Zivitski, of Lillington, N.C.; and nephews Justin and Christopher Wagner of West Milford. Patrick was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, William and Bessie Faircloth, and his maternal grandfather, Andrew Phillips, and was well loved by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
A celebration of Patrick’s generous and well-lived life was held on Sunday, Aug. 19, at the American Legion Post 139, 103 Christian Hill Road, Milford, Pa. The celebrant will be George Kanfer.
In memory of Patrick, contributions can be made to the Ecumenical Food Pantry at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Milford or your local food pantry, or to the American Legion Post 139.
Arrangements were made by Stroyan Funeral Home, 405 West Harford St., Milford, Pa.