Patricia H. Rothfuss,  passed peacefully on November 12, 2013 surrounded by family in the home she so loved.  Her parents, the late Pasquale and Julia (O'Leary) Barbuto, had built the home in North Scituate in 1927.  She was a member of Scituate High School's Class of 1940.  Not long after graduation WWII broke out.  She became active in helping to organize the local USO in Scituate Harbor.  It was there at a USO dance that she met her husband-to-be, the late Albert Rothfuss.  He was enlisted in the Coast Guard and was stationed at Brant Rock, MA.  So their love story began.  They shared an avid love for children of all ages, sports, gardening, dancing, camping, wildlife and the environment. Shortly after Albert's death, Patricia embarked on a cross-country backpacking trek in a quest to still feel the bond between them. It was her husband's dream to hike across our beautiful country upon his retirement. Patricia wanted to prove to him that she could indeed fulfill his dream. In June of 1982 she set off with three of their six children.  They were accompanied by her miniature Sicilian donkey, aptly named Donkey Oatie.

Upon her return to Peekskill, NY, Patricia and her donkey became infamous as she successfully fought to keep him within the City limits. The AP News service carried the story of her trek and the ensuing legal battle.  A reserved quiet woman was unwittingly thrust into the public eye as she received calls and letters from people across the U.S. and Europe.  Donkey Oatie died in February of 2006.

The love of wildlife and the environment made it very easy for Patricia to open her home in NY on a very large scale to injured or displaced birds and wild animals. Her gentle touch and nurturing nature saved many a baby raccoon and fledgling bird.

Patricia was a communicant at Saint Anthony's in Cohasset, MA and at Our Lady of the Assumption in Peekskill, NY.  She and her late husband were Charter members of Assumption's Parish Council.  They also served together on numerous civic and environmental committees in the Peekskill area.  Albert was a mathematics teacher and athletic coach.  As he and eventually their sons participated, coached, or officiated in various sporting venues, she was their strongest supporter, often standing in snow or bitter winds to cheer them on. In the earliest years of the NYC Marathon, she could be found behind the refreshment tables in Central Park, ready with welcome drinks for the 100 to 150 racers crossing the finish line.

After over 50 years in Peekskill, NY, Patricia had returned to her family home in North Scituate.  It was now here where her memories were the strongest.  Her husband Albert predeceased her in 1980.  She was also predeceased by her brothers Francis Barbuto, who died as a child during the Spanish Influenza outbreak, and Ernest J. Barbuto who passed in 2003.  Patricia is survived by her and Albert's six children: Linda Rothfuss of Peekskill, NY/Scituate, MA, Pamela Michielen (husband Hans) of Vermontville, NY, Susan Jantzen (husband Ronald) of Peekskill, NY, Brian Rothfuss (wife MaryLou) of Durham, NC, Barry Rothfuss (wife Pamela Novak) of Cookville, New Brunswick, Canada, and Michael Rothfuss of Peekskill, NY.  Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Loving and nurturing, understanding and supportive, fiercely competitive yet always dignified, generous and kind, and the impassioned guardian of family values – our Mom, Nana, Great-Nana. She will be deeply missed.

A Funeral from the McNamara-Sparrell Funeral, 1 Summer St. (Across from St. Anthony Church), Cohasset on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013 at 9 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am. Visiting hours at McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, Cohasset, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15.  Burial will be in the Assumption Cemetery in Cortlandt Manor, NY.  Burial arrangements will be made by Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Peekskill, NY and The Cortlandt Funeral Home, Verplanck, NY.

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