Honoring Carl Howard Pato

Carl Howard Pato, 77, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025. Born on October 8, 1947, he made the Lower East Side of New York City his home for much of his life, a place that shaped his character and his love of community. He later settled on Staten Island and, in his final year, moved to New Mexico to be near family.

Carl attended local schools, P.S. 160, P.S. 147, and J.H.S. 12. At Seward Park High School, he discovered a love for the oboe and was inspired by his band teacher, Mr. Arthur Rose, to pursue a career in music education. He went on to major in music at Queens College, where, when encouraged by faculty to pursue work on Long Island, he quipped, “Where would I be if Mr. Rose had stayed in Westchester?”

Carl served as a band teacher at J.H.S. 65 and I.S. 71, where he especially enjoyed the experience of working with his students each day. He was honored when, in 1979, his band was invited by President Jimmy Carter to perform at the White House Ellipse. When the City began cutting music programs, Carl took a sabbatical, earned a second license in mathematics, and returned to the classroom at I.S. 131 in Chinatown, where he taught math for the final seventeen years of his career.

Carl was a devoted father to his two children, Karen and David, whom he raised with unwavering love and commitment. He remained deeply involved in their lives and in the lives of his grandchildren, Michael and Allison, of whom he was endlessly proud. In his later years, he found companionship and joy with his beloved wife, Rona, a clinical therapist, and warmly embraced her family as his own.

He is survived by his daughter Karen Pato, his son David Pato and David’s wife Michelle, and his grandchildren Michael and Allison Pato. He also leaves behind his stepson Josh Degenstein and Josh’s wife Heather, and their children Ayva, Lyla, and Cooper; his brother and sister-in-law Barry and Jimena Pato; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Joseph and Sharon Katz; and his brother-in-law Perry Trebatch; and his nieces and nephews, Rusty Pato, Greg Pato, Jessica Drago, Jamie Katz, and Lori Katz-Maniero. He was predeceased by his wife, Rona Degenstein; his parents, William and Tillie Pato; his brother, Gerald Pato; and his sister-in-law, Hideko Pato.

He will be remembered as a caring and loving father and grandfather, a dedicated teacher and union member, and a steadfast friend. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched with patience, wisdom, and kindness.

In accordance with his wishes, and in lieu of flowers, donations in Carl’s memory may be made to Alley Cat Allies, a cause that was especially meaningful to him.