One of his lifelong buddies, Frank Long, said Mr. Patrone was a hard worker who enjoyed going to sporting events.
The first Foot Stop, an athletic-footwear store, was opened in the Lawrence Park Shopping Center in Broomall in 1978. He later opened three other Foot Stop stores, two in Philadelphia and one in Upper Darby, and franchised three in the Philadelphia area.
Shortly before he became ill last year, he sold his businesses and started working for Halloween Adventure Shops in Broomall.
Mr. Patrone was born in Philadelphia and raised in Springfield. He graduated from Cardinal O'Hara High School in 1975.
He was a member of the Small Business Association in Delaware County.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Breana, Gia and Tara; his parents, Alfred M. and Marlene M. Patrone; his grandmother, Dora Maroni; two sisters; and a brother.
A viewing will be held after 6 tonight at the O'Leary Funeral Home, 640 E. Springfield Rd., Springfield. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, 651 E. Springfield Rd., Springfield. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple.
The family suggests contributions, in lieu of flowers, to the Al Patrone Foundation for Those in Need, c/o Beneficial Bank, Lawrence Park Shopping Center, Broomall, Pa. 19008.
