Patrick Chema, 74

EAST LIVERPOOL – Stephen Patrick Chema, of East Liverpool, passed away Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Valley Oaks Care Center after a brief battle with cancer. He was 74.

Pat was the son of the late Grace McCormack Chema and Stephen T. Chema, and was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Jane Chema Datsko. A loyal and life-long son of East Liverpool, Pat was smart, articulate, and an enthusiastic writer and poet. He was also a gifted athlete and a proud member of the Potter football team. Football was his true passion, and he honed his love of the sport while attending the University of Notre Dame from which he graduated in 1969. He enjoyed several successful intermural football seasons as a Fighting Irish student, culminating in a championship win in 1967. Pat was a devoted fan of the Irish, never missing the opportunity to watch and armchair quarterback his team for over five decades. Pat challenged himself with a variety of occupations. Notably, he taught high school, worked for ODOT as well as for several construction companies, and was an energetic personal trainer. He enjoyed the companionship and affections of many friends and was often found walking with them engaged in deep conversation. Although Pat endured many difficult chapters in his lifetime, he did not lose faith, and resolved to soldier onward.

He is survived by brothers, Thomas V. Chema and John Richard Chema, his daughter Tanya Jeneanne and her two sons, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends may visit Friday evening at the Dawson Funeral Home where the family will be present from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Fr. Leo Wehrlin will conduct a Mass of Christian Burial Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish.

Following the service, family and friends will gather at the Dawson Family Center.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Pat's memory may be made to the Rockne Athletic Fund at the University of Notre Dame or to Hospice of the Valley.