Patrick Russell Tatro, a Sacramento businessman who modeled values for young people as a dynamic leader in church and civic groups, died March 19 of brain cancer, his family said. He was 58.
Mr. Tatro was a longtime member of Faith Presbyterian Church in the Greenhaven neighborhood, where he was a deacon and active volunteer at fundraising events and weddings. A fun guy with an outgoing personality, he also served as auctioneer at fundraisers, played on the softball team and sang in the choir.
He was a dedicated youth adviser who reached out and counseled high school students. He led youth groups on missions to build homes and churches, set up Bible study programs and helped with relief efforts in the United States and Mexico.
"He had a strong heart for people, especially kids," said his brother John. "He didn't hit people over the head with a Bible. He just lived by example and tried to reflect Christ in how he dealt with people."
Mr. Tatro also gave back to the community as an active member and past president of Arden Arcade Rotary Club. He served as master of ceremonies at functions and helped organize the annual Food and Wine Gala, which raises money for charities and social services. He represented the local club at many national Rotary events.
A Sacramento native, Mr. Tatro was born Aug. 1, 1954, one of four children raised by Carmen and Russell Tatro. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School and earned a business degree at California State University, Sacramento.
He worked as salesman in his father's electronics business and later joined a second family company, Sierra Select Distributors. After his father retired, Mr. Tatro took over the business with his two brothers and was president for the last 20 years.
He lived in Sacramento with his wife of 32 years, Kitty. Besides his wife, he is survived by his son, Daniel of Sacramento; stepson, Geary Kilmer of Sacramento; brothers, Mike of Sacramento, and John of Folsom; and sister, Lynne of Sacramento.
A celebration of life is set for 11 a.m. Saturday at Faith Presbyterian Church, 625 Florin Road, Sacramento. Memorial donations may be made to Faith Presbyterian Church or Arden Arcade Rotary Club.
Call The Bee's Robert D. Dávila, (916) 321-1077. Follow him on Twitter @Bob_Davila.
© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.
• Read more articles by Robert D. Dávila
Order Reprint
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "Report Abuse" link below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.