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Pasquale "Pat" Gispert
Pasquale Gispert (August 4, 1946 - August 31, 2024)
AKA: Pat, Gismo, Scooter, Gizzy, Popi
Pat Gispert's life was a remarkable story... His father's family migrated through Spain and spent a generation in Cuba before moving to America. His mother's family left a candy-making business in Italy to seek a better life in the U.S. Pat was born in Tampa, Florida. It wasn't long before his family relocated to Hialeah, Florida where he shined shoes at the racetrack as a young boy and later parked cars for spending money as a college student. Pat proudly recounted his humble beginnings to most everyone he met.
At the age of five, Pat fell in love with football. Physically a small person, he earned MVP of his Hialeah High School football team before "walking on" at the University of Tampa where he earned a full scholarship. This proved to be a turning point, resulting in an illustrious four years of college football and a B.S degree in Business Administration.
"Mr. Friendly" was Pat's high school superlative, which transferred to him being a natural salesman. Positivity, grit, and determination were his persona. After a few years working for Hess Oil Co., he became restless and moved into a better opportunity with Lanier Business Products. The salesman became the sales supervisor, then the sales manager, and finally the regional manager of the year. His 33 year career was highlighted by a final promotion to Vice President of Dealer Operations.
He met the love of his life Peggy Linn Booth in 1970 in Orlando, Florida. After marriage, they moved to Tampa and their family became complete with the birth of their sons Patrick and Parker. Peggy and Pat were a match made in heaven, and last year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Paris.
Pat's passions were golfing, University of Miami Football, touring with his son's band as a devoted fan, eating with his breakfast / lunch buddies, and most importantly, traveling to California to enjoy his grandchildren.
Pat is survived by his wife Peggy Linn Gispert, their sons Patrick and Parker, two grandchildren Rosalia and namesake Pasquale, his two nephews Todd and Keith, and his many cousins and in-laws.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network ( pancan.org ).
A service to honor and celebrate Pat's life will be held at 11:00 AM, on Wednesday, October 9th, at Mt. Pisgah Church, 2850 Old Alabama Rd, Johns Creek, Georgia 30022 with a reception to follow at Horseshoe Bend Country Club. There will be a visitation preceding the service at 10:00 AM at Mt. Pisgah Church.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Emory Hospital nurses, doctors, therapists, and caregivers who cared for Pat these past few months. Also, thank you to all our friends and family who gave us support and love throughout this challenging time.
Provided by Tom Johnson and John Rabreau https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/pasquale-gispert-obituary?id=56256135
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Nancy Lundblom (Blizzard)
I am so sorry to hear of Pat's passing and my heart goes out to his wife and family. In school Pat was always one of the nicest and friendliest boys. Years later when I would see him at reunions he was the same. Several years ago I had the pleasure of meeting his wife in Atlanta and she was just as nice as he was. They were a perfect match and seemed so happy together. My prayers go out for all Pat's friends and loved ones. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
James Voyles (HHS 1963)
I met Pat and his brother Manuel in 1955 after moving to Hialeah from Indiana after my father died. Greg Ellis and I would spend hours at his house listening to his record collection and then we'd head for Palm Springs Elementary School to spend more hours playing "3-man ball," a version of baseball where each team had only a pitcher, a shortstop and a left fielder. Great times! Pat's parents were great and very accepting, and this was at a time in my life where I was in need of acceptance. Tom and Rick DeLopez were part of our little gang too, and we had a lot of innocent fun. I was glad to see Pat a couple of years ago at the reunion in Georgia. He seemed in good health then, and I was stunned when Greg called me a few weeks ago to tell me of Pat's health issues. He was a good friend, and I'll miss him!
Sharon Facente (Hills)
So sad to read this today. Pat was always upbeat and fun. May God hold him in His arms and give him eternal peace. My condolences to his family.
Barbara Garber (Condone Martinez)
I am deeply touched by the passing of Pat. He was truly the sweetest kindest most respectful person. The world has lost a true gem. I'm smiling because he happened.Steve Jenkins
A good athlete and an even better person. One of the good guys. Truly you will be missed.
Steve
Wayne Hulon
Wow, how do you say goodbye to a friend and buddy like Pat. Rickey Delopez, Pat, Jim Voyles, and I were the best of Buds. Sharon and I missed everyone so badly when we moved to Atlanta but I particularly missed Pat and the guys. From elememtary school to HHS though, he was always a blast to hang with. A few years ago Richard Eary and I were laughing about Pat and some of the things we got into. I got to meet with Pat a few times over the last couple of years and I spoke with him just recently. In Gods' grace, it was wonderful to reconnect with Pat. Yes he was strong and humorous indeed, but he could also be vulnerable, transparent, and caring. He will always be missed, and yet, he will always be with us too. We have been Blessed and Gifted to have had him in our lives. He loved his wife and children and when he spoke of them you could just hear that grin on his face even over the phone. Pat, thanks for everything you were to us my friend. We will always love and remember you. Now, but for the last time, once again we get to say, "Pasquale, ya ran a great race!"