Patrick Palmer, 58, Loved a Good Laugh

Patrick J. Palmer, 58, husband of Joanne (Cunfer) Palmer, of Royersford, passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 7, 2013 in the Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Pottsville, PA he was the son of the late Margaret “Peggy” (Palmer) Hoinski and the eldest of siblings, brothers Edmond, Michael, and Bill.  Raised in Shenandoah, he was president of his senior class at Shenandoah Valley High School and graduated in 1972. While in high school, he was a dedicated member of the football, basketball, and track teams. He held a school record in shot put and scored the winning touchdown in the last game of his high school career.  

In 1985, his life changed tremendously when he received God’s grace with a spiritual awakening.  From that time forward, he dedicated his life to helping others and gave generously of his time, talents, and treasures for the rest of his life.   

Education was very important to him and he graduated from Alvernia University in 1990 with a Bachelor’s degree in addictions study and from Chestnut Hill College in 1993 with his Master’s degree in counseling psychology with an emphasis in addictions.  He was an enthused learner, constantly thirsting after knowledge and teaching himself new skills and hobbies.  He also loved sharing his knowledge.  He taught undergraduate classes as an adjunct professor in the addictions study and helped develop the Master’s program in addictions study at Alvernia University.

Professionally he held many jobs and titles within the human service field.   He worked as a program manager in a group home for people with developmental disabilities at River Crest Center.   He worked at Rehab After Work and at a variety of agencies as a therapist.  In 1993, he branched out and opened the Recovery Network in Pottstown and Phoenixville, a private therapy practice.  For several years he proudly served as the president of the Pennsylvania Board of Certification.  In 1994 he became a crucial part of the development of a new outpatient behavioral healthcare agency in Philadelphia called the Wedge Medical Center.  He quickly became the CEO and dedicated himself to the WMC and Wedge Recovery Centers in that capacity for the past 18 years, providing the leadership and recovery philosophy with inspired vision.  “The Wedge” is currently the largest private for profit behavioral outpatient agency in Philadelphia and employs over 200 people.

Pat loved life, a good laugh, and telling the stories of growing up “in the coal region”, always surrounded by family and friends.  He was a fan of Notre Dame football, the Phillies, and the Philadelphia Eagles.  He was intrigued by films in a variety of genres and from different eras, often recommending movies to those he met.  He loved the music of John Prine, the Grateful Dead, and many other classic rock bands from the 70’s.  He treasured the time he spent with family and friends at ABOWD (absolutely beyond our wildest dreams), a special place of peace and serenity; a place to honor God for all of His blessings.  Towards the end of his life, he became an avid firearms and weapons enthusiast and believed passionately in the existence of both Bigfoot and aliens.  

Patrick is survived by his wife of twenty-four years Joanne, his three children, Keith Patrick, Kelly, and Allison and her boyfriend, Philip Yost, and two brothers, Edmond Rozew of Shenandoah PA, and Michael Rozew of Texas. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother William “Bill” Rozew.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his memorial service on Saturday, February 16th, 2012 at 2 PM at the Cattermole-Klotzbach Funeral Home, 600 Washington Street, Royersford. Guests will be received from 1-2 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Patrick’s name to the Salvation Army of Pottstown.  Condolences may be offered online at www.RoyersfordFuneralHome.com.