David PATCH

David Patch

Dave's 2011 Autobiography

I retired from the professional world from my last position as the President/Partner of RSL Fiber Systems of East Hartford, Connecticut in the summer of 2010. After graduation from Staples High School in 1961, I enlisted in the Navy Reserves, going through boot camp at the US Navy’s Great Lakes, Illinois facility. After a brief time on sea duty, I transferred to Silver Springs, MD Reserve Center, where I was able to attend weekly reserve meetings while attending The Bullis School to prepare for college boards in hopes of attending either the US Naval Academy or civilian colleges on a Navy ROTC scholarship. I was fortunate to be accepted into the US Naval Academy in the class of 1966. After graduating from the Naval Academy, I spend 2 years in the Navy Flight program, becoming “carrier qualified,” but getting medically grounded shortly thereafter. For the next 12 years, I served on board a minesweeper, an amphibious ship, an oiler, and various destroyers. After sea duty, I was stationed in the Pentagon on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. In 1986, I retired from the US Navy and started a career dedicated to transitioning new technology from research to commercialization. I have served in the positions of Vice President for Business Development for small and large businesses, and Presidents/partners/owners of several other small businesses. I have also been a consultant to entrepreneurs starting new companies based on patented or innovative technologies; and remain a consultant to the Science Foundation.

On the personal level, I am married to Mary (Spongeski) from Wallaston, Mass. We have two children, David, 38, a clinic therapist living in Brunswick, Maine, and Keryn, 33. Keryn and her husband Max, our three grandkids Alexandra 7 (Ali), Nicholas 5 (Nicky) and Gregory 3 (Ori) live in Rockville, Md. My daughter Kristen, 43, lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin with my two oldest grandchildren Kaitlyn 21 and Wil 17. Kaitlyn is a sophomore at Missouri State University and Wil is a senior in High School.

In retirement, I am focusing my “professional” endeavors on programs to support our veterans. My principal effort is with the Kieve-Wavus Educational, Inc. This is a Boys-Girls camp (www.kieve.org) located in Maine that provides an environment that develops boys and girls into future leaders and the ability to reach their full potential. After the tragedy of 9/11, the Camp’s leadership felt the need to open the camp for one week, on an annual basis, to help those directly affected by the loss of loved ones and their families; providing a time for uniting and healing. Last year, the Camp’s leadership opened the camp for returning veterans and their families, four times a year, to thank them for their service and to assist in their reintegration into their family units after prolonged periods away from home. Both the 9/11 camp and the Veterans camp are free for the participants. As a veteran, and as an American, I am proud to assist in this very important effort.

Living in Maine, retirement now allows me to spend lots of time hiking, kayaking, camping, and skiing. I intend to take full advantage of that!

Dave’s Update (2021)

U.S. Navy 25-year career Naval officer, graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1966. Following his Naval career, spent 26 years as a management executive and consultant for technology companies large and small, with business relationships worldwide. With partners, launched eight start-up companies based on patented or innovative technologies.

In 2012, Dave Patch retired from RSL Fiber Systems, where he was a founding member. RSL is a technology company providing high tech fiber optic delivered lighting systems to the Navy including the Zumwalt Class DDG 1000.

In retirement, Dave is dedicated to supporting veterans and people with disabilities. He is a Director and Commander of the Mid-Coast Veterans Council, Commander American Legion Post 36, member of the American Legion Legislation Committee and Chair of the American Legion National Security Committee, Board member of the Military Officers Association of America, 2^nd Vice Commander of the Maine Veteran Coordinating Committee, President of the Board of Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation, Officer of the Maine Veterans in Need, and Board member of Honors Flight Maine. He volunteers with Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation as a kayak, bike, and skiing instructor to those with disabilities, including our wounded warriors.

Current veteran projects include

• Working with Veterans in Assisted Living and Independent Living facilities in Mid-Coast Maine

• One-on-one veteran and veteran family support

• VA trained hospice volunteer

• Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation

  • Volunteer Bike, kayak, and ski instructor

  • Veterans No Boundaries, program for veterans with disabilities, committee member

  • Board of Directors, President

• Honor Flight Maine Board Member

• Commander, American Legion Post, Boothbay Harbor

• Commander, Mid-Coast Veterans Council

• Officer, Maine Veterans in Need

• Chair of the Department of Maine, American Legion, National Security Council

On a personal level, married to Mary for 49 years, daughters Kristen (54 - Pharmacist), Keryn (44- teacher); son David (54 - clinical therapist); Grandkids Kaitlyn (32 - teacher), Wil (28), Ali (18), Nicky (16), Gregory (13); great-grandkids Alexia (3) and Clementine (-3 months).