Patrick Raymond Churchville

August 21, 1945-April 29, 2022

Patrick Raymond Churchville was born in Washington, D.C. on August 21, 1945. He passed away from while scuba diving with his wife, Elizabeth Jean Anderson, in Turks and Caicos on April 29, 2022. He was 76.

 

Patrick began life as a military dependent. His father, Colonel Francis Churchville, was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps. Colonel Churchville, his wife, Cecilia Mae Boyer, and their blended family of five boys lived in Hawaii, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Quantico, Virginia. Patrick and his dad collected stamps from around the world, which Patrick credited with his interest in foreign lands. He also took up fishing, and cherished the memory of fishing with his dad.  After the Colonel retired to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Patrick became a Florida boy. He graduated from Stranahan High School in 1963, lived briefly in Winter Park, Florida, and then attended the University of Florida. In his Florida years, he became a keen table tennis and bridge player, as well as an excellent  golfer. He used to make side money from betting against older golfers who didn’t think this high school kid could beat them. The fishing continued.

 

When Patrick was about to be drafted during the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where trained for a year as an Arabic linguist. After language school, he could speak, read, and write fluent Arabic—skills he used for the rest of his life. His Arabic was so good that native speakers couldn’t believe he wasn’t from the Middle East. He spent time in Ethiopia as a linguist for the army—and also spent five weeks in the hospital with hepatitis. Having blood drawn twice a day for five weeks and eating a lot of canned salmon resulted in his penchant for hand washing and his dislike of doctors. And he was never that fond of salmon.  During and after his army years, he attended the University of Maryland, where he graduated in 1971. His son, Jason Drew Churchville was also born that year.

 

Patrick then accepted a job with Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida, where  his daughter Jessica Denise Churchville was born in 1973. More table tennis and golf, and an MBA from University of Central Florida followed.

 

In 1974,  Patrick went to work for with the Arabian American Oil Company in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, as a computer analyst. He quickly rose to management in the Computer Applications Division due to his mean computer skills and his ability to manage and develop his employees. He learned to play golf on the sand golf course and held the club championship one year for longest drive. Patrick also became a runner, completing the Dhahran and the Hong Kong marathons. He expanded his travels, going to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt, North Africa, Yemen. He said that the best trip he ever made was driving from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia in a VW camper with his then wife and two small children.

 

In 1982, he met Elizabeth Jean Anderson in Dhahran. She was a Spanish teacher, and one of his friends used to tease him about “taking Spanish lessons.” They were married in Bahrain in 1984, with only their best man (also the photographer) and maid of honor. About eight months later, they were remarried Stateside, complete with white wedding dress and tuxedos, dancing, and lots of friends and family. In Saudi Patrick took up scuba diving. He and Elizabeth dove the Red Sea off Jeddah, Saudi Arabia when there were no dive boats, just very difficult shore dives. From KSA they went on a camera safari to Kenya,  trekked in Nepal, stayed on a houseboat in Kashmir, travelled around India for four weeks, and went to both Egypt and China with Alice, Elizabeth’s mother.

 

When Patrick and Elizabeth left Saudi Arabia in 1985, they embarked on six month trip abroad, ending with one month traveling in the U.S. They traveled with scuba gear and warm and hot weather clothes—and a lot of cameras equipment. Nothing was digital in those days, and Patrick was a keen photographer. They visited the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Australia, the Philippines (five days after Marcos left), and spent a month in New Zealand. Lots of diving  and some fishing along the way.

 

Eventually they made their way to their new home in Orlando. Orlando was a time of new experiences and old and new friends. Patrick started his own computer business and Elizabeth went into real estate. They entertained a lot, with an annual New Year’s Eve soiree complete with champagne, a sit down dinner, and dancing. They also continued diving in the Caymans, Cozumel, and Florida. A great part of being in Orlando was that Patrick got to see more of Jason and Jessica, who lived in Atlanta and often visited Florida. Sadly, Patrick’s son Jason lost his battle with muscular dystrophy in 1989.

 

Eventually overseas called again, and in 1999 Patrick and Elizabeth moved back to the Middle East, this time to Bahrain. Patrick didn’t much like his job but loved living in Bahrain. It was much more open than Saudi Arabia. He got to use his Arabic, and he didn’t have to make his own booze. Of course, having a “houseboy” and his wife who did dishes, cleaned, and ironed every day didn’t hurt. Travels from Bahrain included the Seychelles, Mauritius, Jordan, Oman, Lebanon, and the Maldives, While there, Patrick and Elizabeth made enduring friendships with people from around the world. In 2002, Elizabeth began teaching with the Department of Defense schools, and that set the course for the rest of their working lives. Patrick also worked in the school for a year as the Administrative Technologist. He was much loved and valued by the teachers and staff, after having had only a day of training by his predecessor. The Arabic teachers treasured him, because they finally had someone they could speak to directly, rather than through a translator. 

 

From Bahrain, Elizabeth accepted a transfer with the DOD to an air force base school in the Azores, Portugal.  Patrick started working as a civilian in IT for the Air Force. They stayed there five wonderful years in a beautiful home that had an 180 degree view of the Atlantic Ocean, and the world’s best landlord. They traveled extensively—again—to mainland Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia and South Africa. There was wine tasting involved.

 

In 2010 they transferred to Aviano, Italy, A.F Base (about an hour from Venice). In their four year there, Patrick tried his best to become an Italian wine expert while he continued working in IT for the U.S government. Patrick and Elizabeth travelled a great deal in Italy and also became well-versed in cheap flights with Ryan Air to Malta, Sweden, and Zanzibar. He also had a vegetable garden outside and grew African violets inside.

 

In 2014, Patrick and Elizabeth retired to Merritt Island, Florida. They purchased a home, joined a gym and Patrick filled their screened pool area with plants and herbs. Fortunately, Patrick had almost eight wonderful years as a retiree. He was so happy to fill in occupation as “retired” on any documents. During his last eight years, Patrick and Elizabeth went to South America twice, completed ten cruises, camped in national parks –in a tent—for three weeks, and took many road trips. He really enjoyed getting to know the USA again and loved fishing in Western Massachusetts and Louisiana. He was a keen griller and made the best smoked turkey you’ve ever had.

 

On April 29, while on a cruise to the Caribbean with Elizabeth, Patrick drowned while scuba diving. People who know him well say that he would have been happy to go quickly and painlessly, doing something he loved with the woman he loved.

 

Patrick will be remembered for his love of laughter, travel, and food and wine. He was an excellent athlete, chef, photographer, and Arabic speaker—and a really good friend, father, brother, uncle and husband.

 

He was predeceased by his brothers Russell Curtis, Michael Churchville, Francis Jess Churchville, and Timothy Dennis Churchville.

 

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Elizabeth Jean Anderson; his daughter, Jessica Thiel; his granddaughter, Ashlyn Witzke; his grandson, Kian Knutson; his nephews Paul Curtis, Bill Churchville, andFrank Churchville,; and many other nieces and nephews.

 

There will be a celebration of life held this fall in Merritt Island. For now, please share your memories, stories (even embarrassing ones), and photos on this website.

 

Send Flowers

Address: 4200 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, Florida 33021

Add Comment

By Kevin Rieth April 25, 2025
Denise Trissel, 67, of Hollywood, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, Denise’s warmth and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her loving husband, Paul; her devoted daughter, Rachel; her cherished grandson, Fernando; her mother, Gail; and her sisters, Lynn and Dawn. Denise spent much of her life dedicated to her family and their business, which she proudly ran alongside her siblings. Her attention to detail and care as the bookkeeper reflected her commitment and pride in their shared work. A true Floridian at heart, Denise loved the sunshine, the beach, and the life she built in Hollywood. Her kind spirit, calm demeanor, and gentle laugh brought light to many lives. A memorial service will be held at Landmark Funeral Home, 4200 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida, on Saturday, May 3rd, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Family and friends are welcome to join us as we celebrate Denise’s life and share memories. She will be forever in our hearts.
April 25, 2025
Visitation Friday April 25, 2025 5:00pm-8:00pm St. Philip Orthodox Church 4870 Griffin Road Davie, FL 33314 Funeral Service Saturday, April 26, 2025 10:00am St. Philip Orthodox Church 4870 Griffin Road Davie, FL 33314 Burial Saturday, April 26, 2025 11:30am Lauderdale Memorial Park 2001 SW 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
By Kevin Rieth April 25, 2025
Donna Curley Baker, 72, of Cooper City, passed away April 21, 2025. Survived by loving husband Paul; daughters Melissa, Alicia (Sheehan), Brooke, and Julie (Darryl); step sons Dominick and Jake; sister Catherine and grandchildren Alishe', Angelina, James Paul and Devin. Visitation will be Saturday, April 26th, 2:00pm – 5:00pm with a service at 3:00pm all at Landmark Funeral Home.
By Kevin Rieth April 23, 2025
December 17, 1940 - April 18, 2025
April 22, 2025
July 28, 1989 - April 18, 2025
April 21, 2025
Graveside Service Thursday April 24, 2025 11:00am Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens 2401 Davie Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317
By Kevin Rieth April 21, 2025
Kathleen R. Garafola (O’Brien), beloved aunt, sister and friend, was reunited with her husband, Dean Garafola, on April 8, 2025. Kathleen was born July 12, 1955. She grew up in Orchard Park, NY and was one of 6 children. After moving to Florida in the 70’s, she worked for Broward County Sheriff’s office for many years as a Code Enforcement Officer, where she met the love of her life, Dean Garafola. They had a beautiful love story and were together and married for over 25 years. Kathleen is survived by her sister, Susan; brother, Frank and many nieces and nephews. Although she had no children of her own, she spent her life showing her love and kindness to other people and her furbabies. Her humor, courage, resilience, big heart, love and beauty will forever touch the hearts of all who knew her. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at noon at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery (chapel) at 1500 South State Road 7, North Lauderdale, FL 33068. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ASPCA in her honor.
By Kevin Rieth April 16, 2025
Defino, Raphael “Ralph” Albert, 93, of Hollywood, passed away on April 13, 2025. Born on Oct. 13, 1931, in Newark, N.J, he earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in teaching and later served as principal of three Broward County elementary schools. Ralph retired in 1993 after 32 years in the public school system; his last position was principal of Sheridan Hills Elementary. He was married to Theresa Defino, a former teacher and physical therapist, from 1955 until her death in 2011. He also served in the Army and was stationed in Alaska. The couple moved to Florida in 1963, where they raised six children. Ralph was a loyal friend, leader, mentor and an inspiration to all who knew or worked with him. He lived up to the description of “guileless" that was noted in his college yearbook. He could recite the name of every child in his school. He was devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren, and each of them felt his unwavering love and support. His great-grandchildren, or “the little guys” as he called them, were a special delight. After retirement, he and his wife spent countless days relishing life in their cabin amid the mountains of Georgia; they also enjoyed traveling together. Ralph appreciated nature and passed on his love of sunsets to his family. A talented caricaturist, he made model cars, could glue anything back together, enjoyed barbequing and tinkering in his garage, and took pride in fixing his car and maintaining his homes himself. In his later years, Ralph reveled in attending car shows where he and his son would stand with pride next to his 1936 Ford, a surprise gift from his son. He is survived by his children Linda (Corky), Theresa, Stephen (Marea), Kathleen and Mary Ellen; sister Marie; grandchildren Danny (Amber), Jonathan (Kristen), Sofia, Carolyn (Kris), Chloe, Paul, Julia, Sieta and Annabella; and great-grandchildren Dylan, Hyatt, Brody, Andrew, Kollyns and Adelyn. In addition to his wife, he is pre-deceased by his sister Corrine, brother Sam, youngest daughter Diane, and grandchildren Ursula and Kyle. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 5:00pm - 9:00pm with a prayer service Tuesday evening all at Landmark Funeral Home. Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be Wednesday, April 23rd, 11:00am at Nativity Catholic Church followed by interment with military honors at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in North Lauderdale. Donations in Ralph’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org.
By Kevin Rieth April 15, 2025
Betty Ibañez de Sendadiano passed away peacefully at home on March 31st, 2025. Betty was born in Pasaje, El Oro, Ecuador on August 12th, 1935. She was the youngest daughter of Maria Belen Vallejo de Garcia and Andres Corsino Garcia Vallejo. Betty is survived by her daughters Maria Belen Melton (Ray), Maria Isabel (Todd Rouhe), Dr. Margarita (Dr. Francois Phancao), son Antonio (Sherry), adoptive daughters Marina and Elena Fares, sister Lola Davila, sister-in-law Maria Isabel Ibañez de Sendadiano de Ayastuy, and nine grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her husband Antonio Ibañez de Sendadiano, brothers Galo Garcia Vallejo and Dr. Cesar Garcia Vallejo, and by her sister Ruth Isabel Garcia Vallejo.
April 15, 2025
Magaly B. Hernandez, 77, of Pembroke Pines, passed away April 12, 2025. Survived by husband Lazaro; son Tony (Melissa); daughter Melissa Tobar (Miguel); mother Yolanda; brother Roberto Palma (Mildred); sister Raquel Del Monte (Santiago) and grandchildren Mia, Mason; Anthony and Austin. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 16th, 6:00pm – 9:00pm with a prayer service at 8:00pm all at Landmark Funeral Home.
More Posts