Eugene A. Pate, 54; Long-time Stamford's Nestle Water Employee

Eugene A. Pate, of Old Greenwich passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at Greenwich Hospital on Jan. 9, 2014, with his family by his side. He was 54.

Mr. Pate was born in New York City, the son of Betty Pate of Cos Cob and Eugene Pate of Whiting, NJ.

He moved to Greenwich in 1973 at the age of 14. He graduated from Greenwich High School in 1977, and attended West Liberty State College in West Virginia where he met his future bride, Nicole. Mr. Pate received his bachelor's degree from Sacred Heart University and worked for many years in sales at Nestle Water NA in Stamford.

A devoted father and husband, he was a fixture at his sons' many baseball, football, and basketball games. When Mr. Pate wasn't cheering for his sons from the many varied sidelines, he enjoyed reading, playing softball with the Greenwich adult softball league, taking his kayak out into Long Island Sound and fishing. He also enjoyed volunteering for the annual North Mianus Pow Wow, even after his sons graduated. He was blessed to have so many loving and devoted friends from childhood, his softball team and the North Mianus Bull Dog community.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife Nicole; sons Brett and Adam; sisters Eileen Tweddle (Herbert) of Cos Cob, and Liz Pate of Riverside; brother James Pate of Cos Cob; several nieces and nephews, as well as many cousins. 

The wake will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13  at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch St., Greenwich. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 at St. Mary's Parish, 178 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich. A private burial will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a "Pate Children Educational Trust "has been established. Donations may be mailed to the Law Offices of Eileen M. Pate, LLC. 80 Fourth St. Stamford, CT 06905.