Pat Dewey Carter

Pat D. Carter, 82, left this physical world on January 14, 2023; but his spirit, and the message he left to those that knew him, and many he never met, will continue to be carried, and remain forever.
Born July 18, 1940, to the late Hugh and Marjorie "Kitty" Carter, he grew up in the Ellet area (Akron) and proudly lived there until his passing.

As a youngster, Pat and his Dad built Derby cars and raced in the Soap Box Derby. His experience came full circle with the opportunity to race all of his Grandchildren at Grand-Derby Day at the Derby Downs a few years back. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his Dad and vacations to Bob's Lake in Canada. He was a sun-worshipper and loved sitting in a lawn chair for hours in the back yard or out on his boat with family and friends. Pat loved his music and oh, how he loved to dance! He welcomed the opportunity to hit the floor, anytime he had a chance. Dad and Mom certainly knew how to cut-the-rug!

In his children's youth, Pat was involved with The Ellet Amateur Athletic Association and helped by coaching, or wherever he could. He always enjoyed being around children, helping them learn their sport, along with the values of Teamwork.

Pat's career was in Sales. He worked for Akron Standard Mold, Acro Tool & Die, Teledyne Monarch Rubber, Holtz Rubber, among others, and retired from Heritage Industrial Finishing. In retirement, he took on his true passion with the sales of golf equipment. He was an avid golfer (and pretty darn good at it). He loved sports in general. But his greatest sports days were spent watching his children and grandchildren learning and engaging in the sports activities they each love. It was no doubt his favorite place to be.

His greatest joy in life came when his title evolved to "GeeCaw" (Grandpa). No words can express how proud he was of his grandchildren: Kade Carter; Michael, Olivia, Mason and Matthew Paljich. They were the sunshine to each and every day. Though Pat battled Dementia and other health issues the last few years that limited his attendance at events, he continued to offer wisdom and intuition, teaching the kids his signature phrase..."Pray Big".

In 1982, Pat became a "friend of Dr. Bob", and learned to live 'One Day at a Time' while helping countless people who fought the same battles he did. He died just 12 days before he would have celebrated his 41st Anniversary.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents and step-dad, David Washburn; in-laws Charles Henderson & Thelma Senn; and his aunt, Joy Smith.

Along with his grandchildren, Pat leaves his Legacy to wife, Saundra (Sandy); son, Mike Carter; daughter, Jennifer (Mickey) Paljich; uncle, Don Smith; cousins, Kathy McKee and Michael (Susan) Smith and their families; sister-in-law, Ann Senn Carter; brother-in-law, Larry (Annie) Senn; former brother-in-law, David (Marsha) Carter; former sister-in-law, Roxanna Hunter; and former daughter-in-law, Shelley (Chuck) Parsons; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his family, Pat leaves his closest friends Jack G., Adam F., Joe S., Carl G., John M., Ed M.; and lifelong friends, and chosen siblings, Jimmy Parker and Nancy Rouser.

Family and friends may visit on Monday, January 23, 2023 from 5-8 p.m. at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 12:00 noon with visitation for one hour prior. Interment at Hillside Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio (Upside of Downs).