Patrick Joseph Payne

Patrick “Pat” Payne was born and raised in the Bronx, New York where he was one of 7 children, 4 sisters and 2 brothers. He attended Christian Brothers High School where his joy and aptitude for tinkering was identified at an early age. Under his senior picture was the caption “He had an uncanny ability to fix things.”

Pat enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 19 and served for almost 7 years from 10/01/58 – 7/28/65. He was an electrician aboard 2 nuclear Powered submarines, the USS Sea Dragon and the USS Andrew Jackson. He enjoyed the camaraderie in the nuclear submarine community and spoke fondly of those he served with. Pat attained the rank of First Class (E6) after just 6 years in the Navy.

While in the Navy Pat met Jean (Peck), they were married on 1/02/1965. They settled in San Diego where they enjoyed almost 59 years of marriage together.

Following the Navy, Pat pursued a teaching career and taught in the San Diego City schools for 30 years, specializing in industrial arts and later mathematics as his core areas.

Pat could often be found in his garage working on a wide variety of projects with wood working being his passion and car/dune buggy/motorcycle repair finishing a distant second. He took great pride in his ability to build and fix things.

During his younger years Pat enjoyed spending time with family and friends sailing on Mission Bay or camping in nearby deserts. All of his kids have a story or two about riding in a dune buggy with dad in the desert. In his later years he relished attending his grandchildren’s events. He could often be found at ball fields and basketball courts cheering on grandkids.

Pat enjoyed his home very much, especially sitting on the back deck (that he built) and enjoying the view. He was a private man who enjoyed spending time with his family. Cooking a spaghetti dinner or barbequing with his children and grandchildren were at the top of his list for ways to spend a beautiful San Diego evening.

In addition to Jean, Pat is survived by their children Gregory Payne, Steven Payne, Karen Aguilar, and Jennifer Pula. Grandchildren Morton Payne, Corey Payne, Katlyn Payne, Bryce Pula, Leona Pula, Logan Aguilar, Samuel Aguilar. Numerous nephews and nieces.