Patricia McKeon Marinelli passed away on July 8th after struggling with a year-long illness and is now at peace. Patty was born on December 28, 1953 in New Britain, CT to Edward (Slim/Chief) and Artemese (Blanchette) McKeon.

Patty lived in New Britain all her life, and when she settled on Hart Street with her family she was not far from the neighborhood that nurtured her sense of family, community and place. Living directly across from Walnut Hill Park, her walks along the paths with her favored pets, and with her children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces to the nearby playscape, brought them all joy and solace.

Patty attended St Joseph's school, where she earned a reputation as a defender of those bullied by unkind classmates and teachers. She also graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, where she played basketball, and attended Central Connecticut State University and Albertus Magnus College. She took joy in being one of the members of the Aquinas class of 1972 and connected with classmates who planned regular reunions.  

Patty spent her early career at Stanley Works where she met the love of her life, Anthony Marinelli. They were married June of 1981 and just celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary. Patty retired from the New Britain Public Library after 40 years procuring and processing for the shelves, a perfect job for someone who had an everlasting love of reading. Patty also loved music, with a special devotion to Paul McCartney and the Beatles, and she inherited her love of movies from her mother. Patty also enjoyed swimming regularly with friends at Hospital for Special Care.

There was nothing more important to Patty than the annual family vacation reunions and traditional beach activities in York, Maine.

Patty was also an unofficial McKeon/Blanchette family historian, and one of the few members of the clan who could look at an ancient family photo and tell you who each member pictured was, and have a story about each.

Whether you were a member of the family, or a friend, when you walked into a room with Patty, her greeting was exuberant and loving. You always felt seen, recognized and welcomed by her.

Besides her husband Tony, Patty leaves behind her sons Brian and wife Elizabeth, Kevin and his wife Mallory, her brothers and sisters and their spouses; Maureen O'Reilly, Edward McKeon and Lucy McMillan, Chuck and Margie McKeon, Debbie and Eric Nelson, and several nephews, nieces and their children. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren Milo, Lina, Lucy and Eve whom she adored. They, in turn, loved their Nana completely.

Funeral services for Patty will be held Thursday (July 24th) with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am directly at St. Joseph Church, 195 South Main St. New Britain. Burial will be private. Visitation will be held Wednesday July 23rd from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Farrell Funeral Home, 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospital for Special Care in Patty's name.