Obituary of Patrick James Scanlon

Horseheads, NY, aged 71 years. Born on the 15th of January, 1943, in Stambaugh, MI, Pat was the eldest child of the late Virgil R. and Marsell Skinner Scanlon. He died on the 23rd of January, 2014, following a long struggle with several health issues. By his side as he passed was Janice Glidden Scanlon, his wife of 49 years. Pat was pre-deceased by his brother and sister-in-law Michael & Renee Scanlon. Aside from Janice, he is survived by his children Sean (Renee) Scanlon of Rochester, NY, Joshua Scanlon of East Syracuse, NY, Meghan Scanlon and beloved grandchildren Ireland, Aela, & Finnian of Horseheads, NY. He is also survived by his sister Debi (Ed) Gufford of FL, brother Richard (Bonnie) Scanlon of WI, nieces Sunda (Marty) Adams and Kerry Scanlon of FL, sisters-in-law Bonnie (Robert) Buchanan of FL and Marcia (Thomas) Parker of WI, and brother-in-law Moses (Dinah) Glidden of AZ, in addition to an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Pat, a 1961 graduate and all-star halfback for Iron Mountain High School (MI), enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country in California and abroad in Okinawa until his honorable discharge in 1964. Upon his return to the US, he married his high school sweetheart Janice Glidden in 1965. As a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (1970: B.S. in Audiology: B.A. in Radio/TV/Film) and Ohio University (1971; M.A. in Audiology), he began his professional career as an Audiologist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Speech & Hearing Clinic in 1971. In 1974, Pat accepted a position at Elmira College and moved his family to Elmira (and eventually, Horseheads), NY where he served as Associate Professor of Audiology and Director of the Speech & Hearing Clinic until 2005. He was twice the recipient of the Catherine McGraw Rock Award (1989 & 2002) for service to the college and excellence in teaching. During his tenure at EC, he created community outreach programs that allowed the college's audiology students to screen the hearing of area pre-school children as well as visit local industrial sites to perform OSHA sound-level tests. He also spent several summers between the years 1978-82 at Camp Badger in Spencer Van-Etten (NY) where he provided services to hearing-impaired children in a residential camp setting. Additionally, in 1983, Pat created and taught a unique course at EC to honor his brother Michael's service in Vietnam. This Vietnam War History class was dedicated to the combat soldiers that served there, and provided a platform for local veterans to discuss (often for the first time) their experiences as Vietnam Vets. He never accepted credit or accolades for this course, claiming he merely "provided the space and opportunity" for "his" vets to teach. The course was one of the most popular and successful classes each year and remained part of the curriculum for over twenty years. Pat was honored with a Lifetime Membership of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #803 (Elmira, NY) where he proudly served as Recording Secretary. This local chapter's library was dedicated in 2009 and bears his name. For Pat, family always came first, followed by his loyalty to the Marine Corps and the Green Bay Packers, of which he was a proud shareholder and lifelong fan. Pat was an outspoken advocate for veterans everywhere, and a dedicated audiologist and educator. He will be remembered for his incredible humor and wit, his belly-laugh, and his unending respect for others. He was a trivia expert, displaying an uncanny ability to remember the most minute details of pop-culture. He was also a master story-teller and prankster, an excellent cook, and a shark at card games. He enjoyed life and loved sharing his passions with his friends and family. Pat was above all a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose love and compassion extended to the many unique cats and dogs that shared his life. The world is now duller absent his smile and laughter. We are grateful for the time we shared together and are fortunate to have known him in life. He is eternally loved and missed. Per Pat's wishes, there will be no calling hours or service. Those wishing to remember him may do so by making a donation to the following: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #803 (Elmira, NY) 1200 Davis Street Elmira, NY 14901 (607)-737-2760 A celebration of Pat's life will take place in the near future, date to be announced. Thank You The Scanlon family wishes to express its deep appreciation and gratitude to Pat's many caretakers for the compassion and kindness given to him and our family over the years.