Although I was shocked and saddened to learn of Patrick's untimely passing, I am sure that at the moment he died he was fully enjoying himself doing what he liked to do most- paddle and fish on a beautiful body of water in the Adirondacks- not a bad way to go. He was a good friend and a truly Extraordinary Adirondack Gentleman. Although I cannot be in Indian Lake for his memorial service, I will be there in spirit and will never forget his gentle fun-loving nature. He taught me the greatest secret of life, which is that you can only be young once, but you can be immature forever!!

I'll never forget the first time I met Patrick. It was the Mardi Gras Ball in Cranston a few years ago. He was (perfectly) dressed as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Right down to the Ruby Slippers. I knew this was a man who knew how to live life. I learned more about him over the years and was even more impressed with hi joie de vivre. He will be truly missed by many, My condolences to his family.

My deepest condolences to Patrick's family. We have shared contra dances at the Dance Flurry and fun times at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, and he and my husband have connected though their shared passion for fly fishing many times. We still have one of his Father Christmas cards and will display it with our decorations this year with a special fondness.

There are a few of us Sisti men who know instinctively the secret that Patrick was able to demonstrate so well to everyone he met. With his passing, I feel a renewed urgency to share this gift with others. Life is for living, and there is a special place on earth for those who know they are in heaven. Patrick found this place.

I met Patrick at a music and dance festival in Rhode Island 4 years ago where he recognized the ADK sticker on my car, which opened the door to friendship. Turns out that I camp, hike and paddle in the same area of the Adirondacks where he had a place on Indian Lake. We had dancing and appreciation of the great outdoors in common. What impressed me most about Patrick was his patience (probably from all of the fishing) and his positive attitude and outlook on life. Never a negative word did I hear him utter about anyone or anything. He lived on the bright side of life, which I am sure is where he still resides. He lives on in the lives of all who knew him; may we take what he taught us and exemplified and give those gifts to others. Peace be with his family and dear ones.

I know Patrick from contradancing where he is a fixture on our "circuit". I have run into him all over New England in the last 10 years. I have always thought of him as "a country gentleman". Last time I saw him, he shared with me about his trip out to the southwest, camping in the desert. I know his spirit is happy in the Adirondacks as he reveres nature. I will miss him.

I knew him from contra dancing. I'm going to miss him.

I knew Patrick from many contra dances; he had a distinctive and gentle way of expressing respect for everyone around him, and seemed truly happy with his life. I will miss him.

I met Patrick years ago when I was membership chair of the Printinghouse Craftsman's Club. And after that our paths crossed again many times when he was working at the Pressroom. He always had so much life and so much going on and never let the stresses of the printing business ruffle him. He had the peace of the wilderness in him. My sincere condolences to Patrick's family and friends. My thoughts are with you all.

We send our sincere condolences to the entire Sisti family at this time of sorrow and loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleague Karen and her loved ones. - The staff of Butler College, Princeton University.

So very sorry to see that we've lost Patrick. We loved having him at the Contra dances! I always called him "Dorothy" because one year at the Contra dance around Halloween time he came dressed like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and it was the cutest thing ever! I'll miss seeing him out there on the floor. BJ

Dear Family of Pat, I was stunned to learn of Pat's death. He will be sorely missed in many many ways. Our thoughts are with you. Ann Carroll Mark Sherwin

I am another who knew Patrick from contra dancing in the Albany area. He was a great dance partner. He also always had a hug for me when we would see each other, & he would always tell me to "go, GO!!" when I would write about my cycling on Facebook. When I told him I wanted to ride at least 1100 miles this year, he told me to shoot for 1200 "because it sounds better." Well, Patrick, I am now shooting for 1400. Thanks so much for the encouragement. You will be missed. ~KAA

Condolences to Cousin Patrick's extended family and friends from all the Fiores. Patrick was certainly an indivual who borught happiness to many. Whenever I traveled East, I made an effort to see Patrick. Unfortunately on the last trip I could not get up North and Patrick could not make to The City. We both agreed to meet next time. That next time will be at the big banquet table in the sky. Ned

My sincerest sympathies to the entire Sisti family. I met Patrick through contradancing in Albany and Bennington. He was one of my most favorite partners! Someone called him a country gentleman, I think that is fitting. I will miss hearing about his adventures and looking into those warm eyes during a partner spin. I hold you all in my meditations.

I worked with Pat preparing the Chamber of Commerce yearbook for print. We developed a software approach that allowed us to integrate our files with the Pressroom files. Then Pat would pose for pictures as Father Christmas with children for the Country Christmas Tour. I would print the pictures for the children's families. Pat was great with the children. The kids in Indian Lake will miss Father Christmas.

As a musician playing for contra dances it was always a pleasure to see Patrick on the dance. He was a wonderful dancer. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Patrick slowly over the last several years as we both volunteered on the same crews and often the same shifts at Dance Flurry and the Old Songs Festival. We also shared many a contra dance at these events. I'll always remember the twinkle in his eye, his gentle peaceful spirit, and his reverence for the outdoors. My thoughts are with all those he left behind.

All the Albany area contra dance community will miss Patrick very much. He was a sweet, thoughtful, fun friend. He spoke often and fondly of his daughters and grandchildren and of fishing trips he took with the kids. Janet Haseley and Jack Long

To all of Patrick's family and friends, Please accept my sincerest condolences on Patrick's passing. Like Patrick, I spent a good portion of my life in Indian Lake and loved the Indian River and spent many hours fishing it with him. I was shocked today when I saw his obituary. I will miss his friendship and his emails and facebook posts dearly. I know how much his children and grandchildren meant to him. He spoke so proudly and passionately of his family. I wish I could have made it to the services today to share my condolences personally. Sincerely, Mike

I knew Patrick as a member of our contra dance community. I will always remember him as a gentleman and a wonderful ambassador for the dance. He will be very much missed.

So sorry to hear that Patrick has passed. I remember meeting him at the river many years ago. What a nice man. My son was just learning to fly fish and Patrick took the time to work with him. He's still fishing the river today. Our thoughts are with you.

We met Patrick thru our work in advertising in Albany. Quickly our friendship grew beyond the business that we worked in. Patrick was the ultimate friend: always encouraging, always willing to listen, always asking "what's new?", "how's your family?" Patrick handed out the awards to the winners at the Annual Ad Club event, usually wearing whatever costume that went with that years theme. Literally 100s of winners have pictures of themselves with Patrick. It was a job he loved, and we loved him for doing it. Most importantly, he was there wherever, whenever you needed him. He was the embodiment of the word 'friend'. He will be remembered always and missed forever. Drew and Monique Jacobs

Patrick was a very good friend to me, as he was to many others. He will be sorely missed. Your whole family will be in my prayers.

I only had the pleasure to have had met him a few times in my life through his nephew, my friend and mentor, Gary Sisti, it seems Patrick carried around a great deal outward kindness, spirit, spunk, respect and creativity. A natural with nature. An awesome person that exuded a larger-than-life personification. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends; and all who had also had the pleasure of meeting him. Karen Cormie

We had just had a native circle all togather. Patrick was with us.He had enjoyed being able to be with us. We enjoyed his being with us in prayer . Personally I enjoyed hearing of his travels ,seeing his pictures which are wonderful.Following him on facebook. It has been a joy to know him .He will and is missed . Condolences to all

To the Family of Patrick Sisti It is only within the last couple of years that my husband and I were introduced to Patrick through a mutual friend, Manon Paulin-Rich. We were just beginning to get to know him on a much deeper level as he had on occasion visited our Native American Healing Circle. He always added so much when we got to see him. When he was in the Southwest a while back, he was able to visit and connect with our Apache Elder, Shanadii, who now lives in Pecos, New Mexico. I'm sure the honor of his meeting her was only matched by the honor of Patrick touching her life also. He had never met her before, but was able to spend a couple of days with her at her home. He had wonderful stories to share about his time there upon his return. We are all deeply saddened by this much unexpected loss, and had just seen him a couple of weeks ago. All the members of our healing circle share in your tears. It was only last evening that we had recieved the terrible news, and so we apologize for not having been able to attend the memorial service. You never know how someone can unexpectedly touch your life, and you never know when you may see someone you care about for the last time. It is truly a lesson for all of us to tell each other "I Love You" much more often. Last evening after hearing the news I walked outside and as I looked in the sky, I witnessed th Northern Lights. Maybe it was Patrick saying one final farewell. He had a wonderful spirit that touched many. I only wish we had been able to spend more time together. Our hearts are a little sadder now, and he will always be missed, and always be thought of. In the meantime, we hold Patrick and all of you in our hearts and prayers. Love and Blessings... Sue Brenz / Larry Francis 55 Kamarak Way Granville, N.Y. 12832 e-mail: medicinewoodlodge@earthlink.net

Dear Family of Pat, I have contradanced with Patrick quite a bit. He taught me how to waltz and do Cajun dancing also. He told me, my big sister Maddy, and my mom about his granddaughter Maddy who apparently looks exactly like my sister and is her age also. The last time I saw Patrick was at the Old Songs Festival, where he bought my mom, Maddy and I each calligraphy name tags. Yesterday at a contra in Chatham, NY, there was a moment of silence for him throughout which my mom was not silent, but cried loudly. I will miss Patrick very much. Love and condolences, Helena, age 12

For many years Patrick and I met for dinner prior to the Dancing On The Air radio show at WAMC in Albany. We would catch up on what was new in our lives for the month just past. I have missed that monthly meeting since the location changed during 2012. I valued his friendship and the person he was. We danced at a party a few weeks ago. I'm so sorry I was unable to make the memorial service, but his memory lives on in my heart.

I met Patrick through contradancing, where we quickly bonded because of my having a daughter and he a granddaughter, both named Maddy, being the same age and looking very similar. Patrick was always so kind and loving toward my daughters and me; we would always exclaim with excitement, "Oh, Patrick's here!" when we'd arrive at a contradance and see him. He was a very generous person, a great dancer, and so full of life that his death is causing a great sorrow in my heart. I am glad that he spent his last day doing something he loved so much. I will be greatly missing his presence on the dance floor.

I DID RECENTLY MEET PATRICK AT HIS FISHING SEMINAR ONLY A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO AT THE MOOSE FESTIVAL IN TOWN. IT WAS A PLEASURE AND ENJOYED HIS HUMOR AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAKES AND PONDS OF THE AREA. MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

I was so sorry to learn of Patrick's passing and disappointed that I was unable to be at his memorial service. Patrick was one of the first friendly faces to make me feel welcome when I first began contradancing. He was a kind and gentle soul, a wonderful dancer and always mentioned his daughters and grandchildren when we spoke. You all meant so much to him. We will miss him dearly.

I met Patrick while Contra Dancing, and over time we developed a friendship through our love of dance and volunteering at the Old Songs Festival and at the Flurry Festival (where Patrick was my 'early morning' volunteer on the Festival Sales crew.) Although Patrick's gentle spirit and quiet good humor will be sorely missed, I feel blessed to have known him. Craig and I send our heartfelt condolences to Pat's family and friends.

I just read about Patrick's passing and am grieved to learn about it. I didn't know him well, just though business, but he was a kind, lovely, sensitive man. I was so glad he had a chance to go out West and I kept up with his Facebook posting/pictures during that journey. Now he's on another journey and probably filled with joy. My sincerest and deepest condolences to all his family and friends who lost such a special person.

My condolences to Patrick's family. I worked with Pat through the printing business for several years and he was always a kind person with such interesting stories. His presence will be greatly missed in the capital district.

I once had my picture taken with Father Christmas. A great loss. He had such a big heart and warm smile. He will be sorely missed.

I was very saddened to hear about Patricks passing. He was someone that really lived every day to the fullest. While I know that words are only a small gesture of support,I want you to know that his spirit has touched many peoples lives as it has mine. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. With Love, Johanna Quinn

Dear Family, Please accept my sympathies on the loss of you Dad. I didn't know him personally but loved seeing him at the Victorian Stroll in Troy. One of my cherished photos is of him and my sister taken the first year we went to the stroll. May he rest in piece and may God bless you all. Kathy Hein

My best memory of Patrick was dancing with him. When he took you in hes arms,you had nothing to but follow along. His legs were so long, that a good waltz left you breathless. He certainly enjoyed himself and was a blessing to all who knew him. I will miss his twinkling eyes.

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Patrick's untimely passing. I met him several years ago when he worked as a sales rep for the Pressroom. He was and always will be a kind, gentle, genuine soul that will truly be missed. My sympathy goes out to his entire family.

It seemed like almost every time I was up in the Adirondacks, I'd run into Patrick. He'd be at book conferences, book fairs, museums. It got to be kind of funny. Go to the mountains? There was Patrick. And he was kind enough to take interest in The Three Poets (Elaine Handley, Marilyn McCabe and myself) poetry. Nice guy. Great hugger! My sincere condolences to the family.

It is with a very heavy heart that I send my condolenses. Patrick was a remarkable man and a wonderful friend. We worked togther shortly at his company Evergren Graphics where Patrick was not only my mentor, but a spectacular friend and life teacher. We stayed in touch through the years and I have many photos of him with my children during the holidays as he donned his Father Christmas apparrel. God Bless Patrick. I'm sure you are in a better place enjoying everyone around you up in heaven! All my love. Court

i only heard today that father christmas had died. i say father christmas because that is how i first knew him for many years at the victorian stroll in troy.it was only later that i learned that he frequently danced contras. i didnt know him well, but after reading all the fond memories expressed here, i am sorry i never got to know him better.my heartfelt condolences to all his friends and family.

my condolences to patricks many friends and family. i knew him as father christmas at the victorian stroll in troy. i am sorry i didnt get to know him better.

The New York State Outdoor Guides Association (NYSOGA) sends their sincere condolences to the Sisti family with the loss of Patrick.

My condolences to Patrick's family and friends. He was a very special person, and he will be terribly missed. I had just left him a voice mail a week or so ago, hoping that he and I could meet on his way home from New Jersey or Woodstock since he was always on the go. And When I noticed the article in yesterday's Times Union, I couldn't believe it. I am still in shock. Patrick was my sales rep while he was working at the Press Room, and though he and I worked together on many a print project, he became my friend and was very dear to me. When we met I had just moved here from Arizona, and he made me feel comfortable in an area that I was not familiar with. My husband and I would have dinner with him and quite a few laughs.....or an evening listening to live music at WMAC with Chinese food at Ichiban for dinner which was one of his favorites. Since I had come from Arizona, he and I things in common to talk about - his fond love of the desert and its spirits. Many a meeting was spent at a local diner with a cup of tea or coffee for me. And I couldn't wait for my Father Christmas Xmas cards.....to see what robe he had on that year. I will remember Patrick with only good memories, I will miss his talks, his adventures, stories about his kids, his homemade pasta sauce, but more than that... I will miss him very much.

I have the warmest feeling when I remember Patrick's gentleness and his patience. From the first dance I ever been in this country, he danced with me ever so gently and taught me how to be a follower in this which was my very first contact with dancing with a partner. Then after and ever since, in every dance we would dance at least once... to keep the tradition. He was a good friend, a gentleman and the kindest sould to be around. Before, the angels were missing him, now, we do! But we also know that his infectious Love impregnated our hearts, each one of us whom got to know him. God speed, Patrick ♥ I extend my deepest feelings to all his family and loved ones. He lives in our hearts.

I will miss Patrick and am deeply saddened by his passing as I know many cajun and zydeco dancers are also. He was such a kind soul with a very special presence....stoic....yet with a wonderful smile always ready to spring out. I am thinking of and sending prayers and healing energy to his family.

My sincere condolences to Patrick's entire family. I had the pleasure of volunteering with him at the Dance Flurry several years ago, and later dancing with him. He was a sweet, genrous spirited man.

A gift it was/is knowing Patrick and like many of us I'm saddened not to have been able to become even closer with this unique soul... Kind of like an acquaintance with an ageless Native American chief,but with a great sense of the absurd. I so enjoyed our personal visits during his travels here....words are never enough. Sympathies to all his family.

Patrick was special. Full of joy. Always lit up the room. The world will miss him and so will I. My condolences to his family and friends.

I wanted to express my condolences for Mr. Sisti. I did not know him but i will never forget him as I was one of the first two on scene. I hope you have had some peace in knowing that he spent his last day in a truly beautiful spot. I am an Adirondack guide and paddle there often. I saw that Patrick was studying to be a Shaman, i left for Peru 3 days after his passing and while I was there I was with a Shaman and we made an offering, one of my three offerings was for Patrick. I am sorry for your lose and am sorry I never met him out paddling. He was cared for with great respect. Peace

I am sorry to hear about Patrick's passing. He was a great fishing guide and an amazing man. I had the pleasure of fishing for brook trout with him in his Hornbeck canoe deep in the Adirondacks. I will miss his annual Father Christmas photo and his yearly e-mail about skiing. My sympathies to his family.

Uncle Pat, You are finally with my father. I hope he was holding out his hand for you to grab onto. I'm sorry the other side of my family was so dysfunctional. It prevented me in doing so many things with you long after my father passed. Throughout my life, it was a private comfort that you were still here. I am truly sorry you didn't give me away at my wedding to Terry and didn't meet little Ro. I will always miss you." Mona" Romana E. Sisti-Cavallaro