HAMPDEN – Senior Master Sgt. Ronald C. Patin, 41, left us unexpectedly and much too soon, Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, at his home. He was born June 28, 1968, in Bangor, son of John and Paulette Shaver Dillingham. Ron graduated from Hampden Academy in 1986. After graduation he attended the University of Maine, Orono. In 2003 he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Wayland Baptist University. In February 1988 he joined the U.S. Air Force and proudly served for 20 years, retiring in March 2008. Ron served as first sergeant of the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion in Tikrit, Iraq, from February to November 2006. Throughout his military career, Ron received several prestigious medals of honor, including the Surgical Technician Airman of the Year and the Army Achievement Medal during his deployment in Iraq. Since his retirement, Ron worked as a surgical technician at Eastern Maine Medical Center. His most important role was that of father to his beloved children, William and Adie. Ron was a very special son, husband, father, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle and friend. He will forever leave an empty space in all the hearts that he has touched throughout his life. He was predeceased by his mother, Paulette Shaver Dillingham. He is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Christina Gilberti Patin; son, William; and daughter, Adrianna; his father, John Dillingham and his wife, Penny; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Callie Gilberti; brothers, Doug Lathrop and Scott Dillingham and his wife, Jen; stepsiblings, several aunts, uncles, cousins, family and numerous special friends. Family and friends may visit 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. A memorial Mass will be celebrated 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at St. Paul the Apostle, St. Matthews Catholic Church, 70 Western Ave., Hampden. In keeping with Ron’s love and commitment to his military family, memorial contributions in Ron’s honor may be made to The House in the Woods, Inc., care of Paul House, 2819 Lee Road, Lee, ME 04455 or 207-570-4806. The House in the Woods is a military and family retreat that allows veterans and families to cope with their grief and readjustment to civilian life. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
RONALD C. PATIN
