Paul L. Patchel

Paul L. Patchel, 69, lifetime resident of Media, died 15 January

2021 at Penn Presbyterian Hospital.

A 1969 graduate of Penncrest HS, Paul received his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and his JD from Temple Law. Paul was a community organizer, activist and untiring volunteer. There is hardly a facet of life in the Borough of Media to which Paul did not contribute or make better by his efforts. Much of Media’s success as a model in governance, economic development and entertainment events can be attributed to his leadership and hard work. The value he placed in preserving Media’s history and sense of community was his only motivation. Media became a Democratic town overcoming an overwhelming Republican majority beginning in 1979 due to his political leadership. While he retired from actively serving as an elected official, he remained committed to shaping Media’s future. He was one of the last repositories of Media’s unrecorded history.

Paul’s passion in life was music. As a percussionist in numerous bands, his encyclopedic knowledge of all and anything related to music was astonishing. Combining Paul’s prodigious managerial and executive skills with his love of music led him to be the driving force behind bringing successful music festivals to State Street. He knew what talent was and where to find it. The State Street Blues Stroll, The Roots Ramble, Jazz By Night, The Restaurant Festivals and many other functions couldn’t have happened without him. His vision of bringing national level performers to his hometown and his talent at negotiating logistics with the merchants, bands, and sound companies made the various festivals a reality. His role as an advocate for live music will be greatly missed, and Media has been enriched by his dedication year after year.

Some of his fondest memories were of his time working at Ridley Creek State Park under the tutelage of his boss, Brownie, and living in a little rented house on

2500 acres.

Paul loved animals, especially his dogs: Zipper, with whom he grew up; Atlanta who found Paul in Ridley Creek State Park; and Harry who Paul and Alka, his beloved partner, were blessed to have.

While he may be remembered as a public figure, it was his genuine concern for others that guided his actions. Paul’s longtime commitment to the Media Fellowship House, Media Area Branch of NAACP, social justice issues, and environmental concerns define the impact he had on his neighbors and friends.

Son of the late Edgar and Helen (nee Kirkpatrick) Patchel, brother of the late Kirk Patchel, he is survived by his beloved partner Alka Joshi and niece Kirsten (Bob) Fatzinger, great-nephews John and James.

Burial at Birmingham Lafayette Cemetery was private. Paul’s friends are invited to gather in remembrance of him on Saturday, January 23rd at 1 PM at the Barrall Park on State and Edgemont Streets in Media. Masks and social distancing are required.

Contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to the Media Fellowship House, Media Food Bank or the Providence Animal Center.

Online condolences: www.haganfuneralhome.com