Patrick Alexander Filia, March 11, 1937 – October 2, 2019 age 82
Pat was born on March 11, 1937, and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania with his parents and 4 sisters; Josi, Jean, Connie and Rita. It was a small town where everyone knew everyone. Pat always had lots of friends and often spoke of Johnstown and Prospect and his friends and family there with loving fondness and usually an amusing story to share.
He attended college for a while and received special training in business machines, film development and editing equipment. He eventually landed a position with NBC editing news documentaries. His career with NBC lasted 30 years and he received 2 Emmy Awards for his outstanding work in this field.
Pat had a passion for painting and photography and always seemed to have a camera at the ready. His home and his family’s homes are filled with many, many of his paintings.
Shortly after moving to Virginia in 1963, Pat met Janet at a dance and asked for her phone number. They were married on June 12, 1965 and raised two sons together, Bobby and Mitch. “Gran” loved his grand kids, Patrick, Nicholas, Heather, Preston, Cory and Tanner and his great granddaughter Lilly. He went out of his way to spend time with all of them and has left each of them with special memories of their time together, whether it was the love of a good game of chess, love of photography, painting, golf, or fishing, the influence he had on his grandchildren will be something precious they will cherish forever. He loved them all unconditionally and they adored him.
He was a social guy who had a reputation as a peacemaker with a great sense of humor. In his neighborhood of 60 years, Alcova Heights in Arlington VA, he had a great group of friends and always looked forward to poker night with his guys, Hal, Tom, Bob and Don. He had a super sweet tooth with a love of chocolate and ice cream—-if they were put together, all the better! He would also never, ever turn away a good plate of spaghetti!
Pat was also known for his compassionate and nurturing nature. When he was first married to Janet he helped to care for her mom and could always be counted on by friends and family alike to extend a helping hand without hesitation. So many folks when remembering Pat have a story of how he was there for them when they needed him. He always wanted to know what he could do to help ease your burden.
He was able to fulfill his dream of traveling to Italy 3 times after retirement from NBC and would and could talk at length about his wonderful experiences there.
Although he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him, the memories we have will always bring a smile. We’ll all remember his ready smile and quick wit and we’ll forever hear in our hearts his “Hey Babe” or “Hey Kiddo” or his “Ahh, I love you and I love you too’s” or “Come anytime, you don’t need to call, you’re always welcome”
He went to be with the Lord on October 2, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. We thank you for everything and we love you so very, very much
3411 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201
10/07/2019
11:00am -
My dear Janet. Our heart goes out to you. We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Pat. May you have God’s comfort in the coming months. All our love
Thinking of you, sweet friend, will call you later this week. You and Pat made our move to Arlington so much fun. You were among the first to welcome us to the neighborhood. We missed you when we moved away to Massachusetts, but you were always in our hearts and fondest memories. We are so sad to hear of Pat’s passing way too young. We LOVE you, Barbara and Mike
❤️❤️❤️this man, my Uncle Pat, and the many memories of him in both Johnstown, where I grew up and he visited. His camera, his painting, and his visual sensibility influenced me and my career choice. Heart felt condolences to Aunt Janet, Mitch and Tammy.