Patrick Omani Anum aged 76, transitioned on September 28, 2024.  Patrick was born on August 8, 1948 in Sekondi, in the Western Region of Ghana to Edmond Theophillus Odonkor of Nii Tetteh Nteni We, La and Mrs.  Regina Ayorkor Newton Odonkor of Nii Manle We, La, both of blessed memory. Patrick was the 5th male born and 9th of 12 siblings. He started his primary education at Nsawam Presbyterian school while staying with his senior sister the late Theresa Odonkor and her husband Mr. B.F. Afotey.  When his sister and her husband were relocated to another region, Patrick returned to Accra, where he continued his primary school education. He entered the La Presbyterian Middle Boys Boarding school for 3 years. He took the Common Entrance Examination, passed and was admitted to O’Reilly Secondary School where he did his ‘O levels’ certification. Patrick did his 6th form privately at home while at the same time working with the West Africa Exams Council.  Due to Patrick’s hard work and perseverance he applied and received admission to come to the US to continue with his studies. To ensure that this next chapter of his educational journey continued, Patrick was readily supported in various aspects by his senior sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Okpoti Sowah who reside in New York.

Upon his arrival to New York, Patrick attended The City College of New York.  He then transferred to State University of New York at Brockport where he received his Bachelors of Science degree. He remained on the Dean’s list during his years at Brockport.  Two year after obtaining his bachelors, he returned to SUNY Brockport and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA). During his studies Patrick met and married Anna Cunningham, May 19, 1976.  From that union they had a daughter, Princess and a son, Whitmore. Patrick later moved to Dallas, Texas to explore other occupational opportunities. He lived in Texas from 1985 - 1997 then decided to move to Maryland to seek other career prospects. During his search, he worked odd jobs until his former professional experiences landed him an opportunity at SunTrust Bank, at an entry level position and was later promoted to Branch Manager.  

Patrick was well read and enjoy engaging in passionate discussions to prove his point on various topics. If you brought up a topic, you better be sure that you were well verse in what you had to share because Patrick delighted in challenging you further to demonstrate your knowledge on the topic. Those who knew Patrick would agree that he loved communicating his thoughts.  Often during conversations, he would articulate uncommonly used sophisticated vocabulary, that further enhance the conversation. Indeed, Patrick had unique attributes, loved family and held strong to his Ghanaian roots.

As his illness progressed, Patrick expressed some regrets as well as gratitude to the support that was offered by family and others. Patrick, the entire family bids you farewell, trusting that you are resting peacefully in the bosom of the Lord. Bra Omani, “Yaa wo odzogbann”.(“Rest in perfect peace” in our Ga language)