Pacchioli '51 Continues Loyal Support to Rider Team

When you talk to Olimpio "Patch" Pacchioli '51, you can't help but want him on your team. After graduating from Easton (Pa.) High School, Patch served in the U.S. Army Special Services for two years and played baseball under former major-leaguer Hal Wagner at Camp Blanding, Fla. Later, he played first base on a team while he was stationed on the Philippine Islands during World War II.

A star athlete on Rider's baseball team, Patch graduated as the program's career leader in hits and runs batted in, collecting 100 career hits and setting Rider marks in triples. In fact, during his collegiate career, he was offered professional baseball contracts by the Philadelphia Athletics, Cleveland Indians and the Pittsburgh Pirates, but declined in favor of a degree in accounting. In 1998, Patch was inducted into the Rider Athletics Hall of Fame.

A Team Player Through Service
Aside from his talent and his ambition to succeed, Patch has also showed over the years that he is a valued team player through his service to others. A loyal supporter of the Rider Broncs, Patch frequently attends Rider baseball and basketball games, and made a generous contribution to the Sonny Pittaro Field, in addition to a $50,000 gift to Rider Athletics. Most recently, he decided to include his alma mater in his estate plans.

"I think Rider was part of my success. Rider's done a lot for me, and so, consequently, you have to remember them for when you're gone," Patch explains. "I feel this way: If you give, the people will give you something back."

Patch has followed this philosophy not only as a supporter of the University, but also as an active community member in the small town of Martins Creek, Pa., where he grew up, was raised and still currently resides. He owns O.R. Pacchioli Insurance Agency and sponsors the Martins Creek Creekers, a semi-pro baseball team in the Lehigh Valley-based Blue Mountain League. In addition, he has been head of his community's church festival for the past 40 years and serves as the president of the Civic Association. On Memorial Day, Patch puts American flags on veterans' graves in the town's cemetery.

Patch remembers how one day at his church, the priest stopped him and asked him how he found the time to do all the things that he does. Patch simply replied that he enjoys giving back to his community. He also credits his upbringing for instilling in him a sense of community service. While both of his parents' educational backgrounds were limited, Patch watched how hard they worked. His mother, an immigrant from Switzerland, was a homemaker and his father worked at a cement mill.

Patch says he also learned a lot of lessons from his 50 years of playing baseball. "I've learned to work hard, play hard, be a good sport and give credit even to the opposing team when they do a good job," he says. With these lessons, Patch shows his commitment toward his "teams" whether he is in the game or on the sidelines.

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