Patrick Thomas Clayton, 70, of Columbia, passed away at Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 1, 2023, after a brief illness.
He was born in Newark on July 19, 1952, to John W. and Bertha (Rudman) Clayton, Sr. Patrick was raised and lived in Parsippany until he moved to Knowlton Township in the 80s. He graduated from Parsippany High School class of 1970 where he was a player on the high school championship baseball team. He worked a dedicated career at the Daily Record in Parsippany for over 35 years.
He was an avid sports fan, baseball being his favorite sport. He was a dedicated Mets baseball fan as well as the New York Giants football team. He played softball for over 25 years in the Blairstown Softball League. He spent many years coaching his children in the Knowlton Athletic Association.
Patrick devoted the rest of his available time to the Knowlton Fire Department, where he was a life member and exempt fireman since the 80s. He received Firefighter of the Year in 2014. He was a member of the Knowlton Historic Commission and Friends of Ramsaysburg Homestead. Patrick was constantly donating blood through the years to help others in need.
Being outdoors was his greatest love, including his vegetable garden, as he was known for his excellent home-grown Jersey tomatoes.
He is survived by three children, Thomas Clayton and wife Jessie; daughter Stacey and husband Randy Tosh; Joseph Clayton and wife Ashley; five siblings, John W. Jr.; Rody; Robert; Bernice and Margaret “Peggy;” nine grandchildren, Callie, Bennet, Lenna Clayton; Cason, Adele Clay and Cade Tosh; Mason and Joey Clayton.
A period of visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, April 10, 2023, at Newbaker Funeral Home, 200 Route 94, Blairstown. A liturgy of Christian Burial will take place 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11 at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 327 Greenwich Street, Belvidere.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Patrick’s name to Knowlton Township Fire Department, P.O. Box 231, Delaware, NJ 07833, and/or donate blood through the Red Cross.