Patric C. Cafaro

Patric C. Cafaro, age 79, of Fairborn, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 29, 2026. His family is grateful that he passed with hope and dignity, having recently worked hard to regain strength after a season of hospitalization and rehabilitation.

Patric was born in Dayton, Ohio, on April 11, 1947, to the late Anthony “Tony” Cafaro and Vincentina “Tina” Cafaro (Blandino).

Patric was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved grandparents, Benedetta “Noni” (Magno) Blandino and Charles Blandino; and many adored schnauzers.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Rosalyn “Lynn” A. Cafaro (Shoup); his son, Anthony M. Cafaro, and wife, Sarah; his grandsons, Urban Cafaro and wife, Alexa, and Roman Cafaro; his great-granddaughters, Stevie and Skylar; his sisters, Linda Stutler and Teri Shepherd and her husband, Don; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Patric attended Mary, Help of Christians Parish and School in Fairborn, Ohio, where he also served as an altar boy. He later attended Carroll High School and completed his early education at Fairborn High School. He continued his education at Wright State University, enrolling in its very first semester in 1964 to study Art Education. It was there, only a few years later, that he saw his beautiful wife-to-be, Lynn, working at the potter’s wheel. They married on May 3, 1969. Patric and Lynn both completed their college education and earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Art Education, beginning lifelong careers in teaching. Patric taught art at Warner Junior High School in Xenia, Ohio, where he served students in grades 7 through 9. Through his teaching, he helped generations of students grow in their artistic abilities and recognize their own creativity, capability, and personal worth. Patric retired in 1999 after 30 years of teaching at Warner in Room 105. That same year, he and his son Anthony shared the halls of Warner as fellow teachers, a legacy Anthony continues there today. Art was not simply something Patric taught or practiced; it was the way he noticed, imagined, restored, and made sense of the world.

In the 1980s, he became involved as a respected member and “brother” within the antique bicycle community. He collected and restored bicycles and head badges from the early 20th century, especially those from the 1910s and 1920s. He was a master metalworker and took great pride in restoring pieces with such finesse that they appeared to be in their original condition. Patric was also highly skilled in carving wood and antler. He began a longtime pipe-carving business and created custom pipes for friends and collectors who admired his craftsmanship and trusted his distinctive artistic style. He also spent time working in the Boston Stoker Pipe Shop in Fairborn, Ohio, where he developed both admirers of his work and lifelong friendships.

Patric was a creative and complex man with a deep appreciation for beauty, especially in ornate and carefully crafted objects. His artistic eye shaped the way he saw the world. He found meaning in form, detail, texture, and design. He also had a deep interest in religious artifacts, especially crucifixes, which reflected both his artistic nature and his faith in Christ. Patric had a fondness for meaningful details, symbols, and small connections. Though he was born on April 11, his special number was always 17, a fitting connection for a man whose name is remembered every March on St. Patrick’s Day.

Later in life, Patric began a meaningful journey of faith, drawing closer to Jesus Christ and finding new strength, peace, and freedom from burdens he had carried for many years. He developed a close relationship with Jesus, often saying he was “pressing in to Holy Ghost Power.” His family takes comfort in the hope that he is now at rest in the presence of Jesus, free from the struggles and burdens of this life.

Patric was also a master storyteller. He could captivate people around a table with stories that revealed his creative mind, his humor, and his fondness for both friends and strangers. He loved people, and his generosity was often shown through giving without strings attached.

Those who knew Patric will remember his creativity, his humor, his artistic gifts, his love for family, his devotion to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his fondness for schnauzers, his skillful hands, his complex and searching mind, and the ways he continued becoming a man shaped by faith, mercy, and love.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Patterson Park Church, 3655 E. Patterson Road, Beavercreek, Ohio. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the church.

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