Patrick A. Arpei

Arpei-Coons, Patrick A. On Wednesday, August 22, 2012, Patrick left this world unexpectedly to begin the next phase of his journey. While traveling to work that morning, he was involved in an accident. Patrick fought valiantly to remain with us, but bravely decided it was his time to move on. That evening, while we gathered to mourn our loss, Woob, as he was known to all who love him, sent us the most amazing sign that he had arrived safely. Before a single drop of rain fell, Patrick lit up the sky with the most vibrant and extraordinary rainbow. As we watched we knew heaven’s newest and most beautiful angel was home. Patrick was born on June 5, 1991, his Aunt Kim’s Sweet 16 birthday. He was welcomed into this world and surrounded by a loving family who adored him. As a young boy, Woob enjoyed playing with (and disassembling) trucks, cars, motorcycles, and tractors. He loved to swim in his grandparent’s pool, and dig in the sand. A laid back, easygoing kid, Patrick was up for whatever adventure was in store. His crooked grin, and twinkling blue eyes lit up our every day. On August 31, 1996 Patrick and his mom married Rick Coons and Rick’s young daughter, Chelsea. The ceremony was held at the gazebo in Altamont, where Patrick served as best man for his “Rickster Dad”. Woob was completely smitten with his sister. Just six months apart in age, Woob and Chels established a relationship unlike any other- they are not just siblings, but the best of friends. In May 1998, Brian was born. Woob had his beloved little brother to torture, and at last our family was complete. Brian idolizes his big brother, and is devastated by the loss of his hero. Patrick attended Pine Bush Elementary School in Guilderland, then transferred to Berne Knox Westerlo where he graduated in 2009. Our family moved to the country so Patrick and Brian would have wide-open spaces to explore. Throughout adolescence, Woob had a variety of dirt bikes, 4x4s, snowmobiles, as well as an impressive gun collection. Patrick enjoyed long range shooting and his marksmanship was a source of great pride to himself and to his father. Woob spent a significant portion of his time working with his dad at his dad’s shop, Quality Auto Service. Patrick is an intelligent young man with an indomitable motivation to succeed. From the time he was a small boy, he couldn’t wait to leave school so he could get to work and “produce”. Woob worked along side his father every weekend and summer, gaining remarkable work ethic and the skills that would lead to his own career in the automotive industry. At the time of his passing, Patrick was employed as a technician at Keeler Honda. Patrick’s long-term goal was to own several rental properties and amass a small fortune. This ambition drove him to read extensively about real estate, business, and financial management. Wise, motivated, and mature beyond his years, Woob was constantly searching for new ways to achieve his goals, and he was willing to work hard to make them happen. Patrick’s dreams were fueled by a desire to take care of his family and friends and to make the most out of his life. Woob had what it took to set this world on fire, and he went to work everyday because of this desire to make magic happen. A strong, independent, stubborn young man, Patrick lived his life his way. He made us so very proud. Woob is survived by a large and loving family: parents, Chris and Rick Coons; siblings Brian and Chelsea Coons; grandparents, Carol Mayer, Tom (DaDo) Mayer, and his partner Maria Bullock, Bill (Papa) and Lynda Coons; aunts and uncles, Kim Mayer and Tony Dawson, Mark Mayer, Steve Coons, Bill and Michele Coons, Nancy and John Baker, Connie Coons and Scott Vassar, Valerie and Mike Hynes, Joan and Jim Diehm, Patty and Cliff Nolan, Jack Mayer and MaryAnn Letteau, Sr. Paula Mayer, and Gene Emerich; cousins Emma and Max (the only kids Patrick liked), Will, Sam, Jessie, Greg, Brian, Nick, Lauren, Nancy, Emma, Kate, JJ, Brian, Quinn, and Ella. Patrick joins cousin Devin who predeceased him. Patrick’s devoted friends: Joey, “Twig”, Shane, Jesse, Bill, and Sean. Patrick was fortunate to have two dear friends and mentors to whom we are eternally grateful: Tony Mancini and Bob Cleary. To honor Patrick’s memory, his family is establishing The Patrick Arpei-Coons Vocational Scholarship Fund. It is our hope that we will be able to assist ambitious vocational students reach their full potential. Donations can be made to “The Patrick Arpei-Coons Vocational Scholarship Fund” c/o Pioneer Bank, 21 Second Street Troy, NY 12180.