Obituary of Gerald Patel

Gerald R. Patel, age 87, died in his home in Stuart on Sunday, December 2, 2007, following an extended illness.

He was born July 3, 1920, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Joseph and Frances Patelczik.

On August 23rd, 1941, he was united in marriage to Stella Disky in Detroit. Mr. Patel served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, and saw active duty aboard the USS Pennsylvania in the Pacific Theatre. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He joined the Detroit Police Department, and over his twenty-seven year career advanced from Patrolman to the rank of Inspector. He retired in 1974.

Mr. and Mrs. Patel spent summers at their home in Commerce Township, Michigan, and winters in Florida until moving permanently to the Duckwood subdivision in Stuart in 1993.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Stella; two daughters, Corinne (Ernest) Zinger of Holly, MI, and Sharon Beseler of Detroit; two grandchildren, Debra (Danny) Denny, South Lyon, MI, and John E. Riggi, Jr., Novi, MI; and two great-grandchildren, Derrick and Deanna Denny, South Lyon, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Treasure Coast Hospices, Inc., 1201 SE Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997.

Memorial services for Gerald R. Patel will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5, in Chapel Three at Forest Hills Funeral Home, 2001 Southwest Murphy Road, Palm City, with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of service. Entombment will be at Forest Hills Memorial Park.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Hills Funeral Home. A guest registry may be signed at www.foresthillsfunerals.com.