Patrick J. Lydon

Patrick Joseph Lydon passed away at his home in Oakland on September 5, 2023 after a brief illness. Patrick was born in Oakland on February 17, 1955 and lived there most of his life.  He was a graduate of Pacific High School in San Leandro, was a member of the school’s tennis team and continued to play in various pick- ups and leagues after graduation.

Patrick was a 21 year veteran of Pacific Bell (SBC) before his early retirement in 2002.  He dabbled in low voltage contracting for several years afterwards enjoying the interaction with new customers. He prided himself on his ability to get the job done by thinking outside the box using his “MacGyver” mindset.

He was an avid car enthusiast from rebuilding his cherished Ford Capri to watching Formula 1 Racing on TV – occasionally taking in live races when the opportunity arose.  He could grow pretty much anything and the backyard was always filled with an eclectic array of starter plants from clippings he’d receive from neighbors or appropriated during his ramblings.  He loved to binge watch old movies especially WWII sagas. Patrick was no stranger in the kitchen and excelled in making many wonderful dishes.

Patrick lived his life on his own terms. His sense of humor could make your eyes roll.  He was never in a hurry, adored most 4 legged creatures (ok had a Carl Spackler - Caddy Shack -  relationship toward rats) and loved bird watching especially for raptors. He treasured his beloved dogs, Micro, Beau, Grizzly Bear and Kodiak – all pre-deceasing him.  He couldn’t wait to bring another rescue into his life.

Patrick was pre-deceased by his father Joseph Patrick Lydon and mother Nellie Dos Santos Lydon. He is survived by his wife, Ellyn Peabody; sisters Margaret Reynolds (Robert); Maureen Sweet (Craig); brothers Greg (Lisa); Timothy (Teresa); Sean; cousins, nephews and niece and his dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will take place in the early Spring when the hills will be green and reminiscent of his trips to Ireland. If you’d like to remember Patrick please make a donation to your favorite charity, Friends of Oakland Animal Services or the American Heart Association.  And look up – that Red Tail Hawk may just be Patrick checking in.  As he always said “What you don’t do, I do”.

Please share your memories of Patrick with the family on the tribute wall.

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