Pataro, Jr., Rudolph N., Col USA (ret) passed away peacefully on January 30th, 2018 at Fair Oaks Hospital. Beloved husband of Patricia S. Pataro and loving father of Delissa Knapp, Rudolph Pataro III and Toni Keating, brother of Yolanda Carothers and is also survived by 8 wonderful grandchildren.

Rudy was born on October 19, 1933 in Poughkeepsie, NY. He attended the New York Military Academy on a full trumpet scholarship. Upon graduating he began his military career which included graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1957. He spent the next 26 years proudly serving his country with the 82nd Airborne Division, with time spent in Germany, Korea and Vietnam. Following his illustrious military career, he worked in the private sector for another 13 years. His retirement years were filled with his true passions — his love of his family (his la familia), his classmates from USMA ’57, his grandchildren and his friends.

Rudy, or Papa as he was known to his family, will be missed dearly for his stories that got bigger with each telling, his big band music, the smell of coffee in the morning and his love for his classmates.

Friends may visit on Sunday February 4th, 2018 at Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 10001 Nokesville Road, Manassas, Virginia. Viewing hours will be from 1-3pm EST. A funeral mass will be held at a later date with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the West Point Alumni Association.