Eugene "Pat" Patrick Symons' Obituary
Eugene Patrick “Pat” Symons, age 81, of North Ridgeville, Ohio, peacefully left this life on January 3, 2025, after a short illness. Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Pat will forever be remembered for his kindness and willingness to help others.
Pat was born March 17, 1943 in Oil City, PA. To Mary (née Harkins) and Eugene Symons.
He graduated from Saint Joseph High School in 1961, Gannon College in 1966 with a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and Toledo University in 1979 with a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
He was employed by NASA at the Lewis Research Center from 1966 through 1998. While there, he initially worked in research studying the effect of space’s low gravity on fundamental fluid and thermodynamic processes and published over twenty-one papers detailing his work. In addition, he managed nineteen grants and contracts related to this area of work. Pat also worked on Space Propulsion Systems and Space Experiments, including designing experiments which flew on the Apollo missions to the moon. He formed and managed a NASA organization studying the behavior of cryogenic propellants used in space. During the latter parts of his NASA career, Pat was selected to manage the Launch Vehicle Project Office and as such managed the launches of all of NASA’s intermediate and large expendable launch vehicles. He received numerous awards during his career, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for his work in cryogenic fluid management. Following his NASA career, Pat worked as a consultant for the Aerospace Corporation as well as for Boeing Company for six years, retiring in 2004.
Pat had a deep love for sports, actively participating in basketball, football, baseball, and softball. He cherished the great outdoors, finding joy in hunting, fishing, camping, and canoeing. His true passion was fly fishing for trout and the art of tying flies. Pat also found great pleasure in traveling and treasured the moments spent with family and friends.
Pat is survived by his wife, Marlene Orzechowski-Symons (née Drzeweicki); his children Elizabeth M. Nickel (Karl), Patricia M. Symons (John) and grandson John Thomma, Jr. Sisters, Mary Ellen Symons, Lois Socha, Sandy Manion, Anne Poweska (Scott) and Janet Lillard (Greg). Also, Marlene’s two children; Mark Orzechowski and Suzanne M. Ballash (Michael). Step grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Pat is preceded in death by his first wife, Judith (née Higgs) 2012, after a long illness. His mother Mary (née Harkins) 2011. His father Eugene (1978) His brother James (2006).
Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Clarence Church, 30106 Lorain Rd, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070, on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest privately at Sunset Memorial Park, North Olmsted, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to Cypress Hospice, 2 Berea Commons, #1, Berea, Ohio or American Cancer Society.
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