Obituary of Patrick W. Gaitens

Patrick W. Gaitens, 75, of Pennsville, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 6, 2023, after a long-hard battle due to lung cancer. Patrick was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, on September 23, 1947. Patrick graduated in 1966 from Seaside high school, Monterey County, CA. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army, following his father’s footsteps, where he served from 1966-1969. Pat was deployed to Vietnam in 1967 with the Big Red One unit as a gunnery sergeant. Unfortunately, like so many other soldiers, he was exposed to Agent Orange, which caused his cancer. After proudly serving his country, Patrick returned to his parent’s home in New Jersey where he met the girl across the street, who became his wife and the love of his life. After attending Delaware Technical and Community College, Patrick worked as an environmental project estimator with various companies until he retired in 2014. Patrick enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, the Jersey shore, camping, traveling with his wife, weekly “guy’s night” and his fondness of aliens and doing things “his” way. He was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need and never missed an event where his grandkids were concerned. Patrick loved trying to be funny and was known as “PITA” or “PA” to many. His daily goal was to bring a smile to someone’s face or make them laugh. In 2023 Patrick received a military service medal from Salem County and will be recognized as a Hometown Hero for his Honorable Military Service. Patrick is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Yvonne Gaitens of Pennsville, his sister Kathy Tilton (Leon) of Penns Grove, New Jersey, his sister, Barbara McCaleb (Michael) of Sacramento, CA, his sister Sara Jane Hightower (Ronald) of Fair Oaks, CA, his daughter, Patricia Gaskill (Richard) of Pedricktown, NJ, and his son Sean Gaitens (Annie) of Bear, DE. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Alexis Gaitens, RJ, Carlyn, Erica and Kaitlyn Gaskill and his great-grandchildren, Cameron and Luna; along with several other cousins, nieces and nephews. Patrick was pre-deceased by his parents William and Ruth Gaitens and his grandson, Sean Patrick Gaitens II. A celebration of life will be held in his honor on April 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Maria’s Banquet Hall, 72 N. Virginia Avenue, Penns Grove, NJ 08069.