ROGERS — Cmdr. Patrick Alfonso Sabadie

passed away in his home Dec. 26, after a 22-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Patrick is survived by his wife of 51 years, Suzy; son Erik and wife Kim; son Mark; sister Francisca Sabadie and husband Rob; and loving grandchildren Alex and Nick.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alfonso; mother Margaret; and an infant brother.

Patrick graduated from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., in 1968. He served his country in the Vietnam War, and ultimately retired from the Navy in 1990 as a commander. During his 23 years in the Navy, Patrick served on the USS Richard L. Page, USS Patterson, and USS W.S. SIMS. Go Navy, Beat Army.

In addition to serving his family and his country, Patrick had a passion for serving others. When son Mark was born with spina bifida, Patrick became involved in the local and national chapters of the Spina Bifida Association, including serving as president of the Spina Bifida Association of America for three years. Patrick was instrumental in founding two Boys & Girls Clubs and was very involved with St. Michael Catholic Church while living in Amelia Island, Fla.

Patrick was steadfast, prioritizing his family and faith regardless of life’s circumstances. He lived his life according to his favorite saying: “you play the game with the hand you’re dealt.” Patrick was respected and admired by all who had the good fortune to meet him.

He loved his time with Suzy ( traveling the globe and going to the movies), his friends (enjoying a Yuengling Beer, playing a game of racquetball, or listening to some Aaron Neville), and his time alone (smoking his pipe and sipping a wee dram of Scotch, while poring over Excel spreadsheets and family finance ledgers). One thing is certain: we hit the lottery with this exceptional man in our life.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul on Monday, Jan. 4 at 10 a.m. You can watch online at the St. Vincent de Paul Rogers, Ark., Facebook “Live” page: https://www.facebook.com/SVDPRogers/live_videos .