David PATCH

 David Patch

Dave's 2011 Autobiography

(Updated: 3 May 2026)

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 HighSchool in 1961, I enlisted in the Navy Reserves,  going through boot camp at the US Navy’s GreatLakes, Illinois facility. After a brief time on sea duty, I transferred to Silver Springs, MD Reserve Center, where I attended weekly Naval 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, including 3 tours in Vietnam, 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 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.

On the personal level, I am married to Mary (Spongeski) from Wollaston, Mass. We have two children, David, 53, a clinic therapist living in Brunswick, Maine, and Keryn, 48. Keryn and her husband Max, our three grandkids Alexandra 22 (Ali), Nicholas 20 (Nicky) and Gregory 18 (Greg) live in Rockville, Md. My daughter Kristen, 58, is a pharmacist and lives in Tulsa, OK. My two oldest grandchildren Kaitlyn 36 is a special ed specialist and lives with her husband Steve and my great grandkids Alexia (9) and Emmy (5) in Springfield, MO. and Wil 32, lives in Greenbay, Wisconson with his wife Sam.

In retirement, I am focusing my “professional” endeavors on programs to support our veterans. In 2020, with 3 other veterans, I started the non-profit Maine Veterans in Need (MVN). Our mission is to assist veterans and their families who are in need, advocating for those in active

crisis/emergency, preventing homelessness, and helping those who are homeless transition into stable housing. Not accepting government funding, we can provide help 24/7 with little red tape. While MVN takes most of my time, I still have time to kayaking, camp, and ski.

Dave’s Update (2026)

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 founding member of Maine Veterans in Need, 1st Vice Commander of the Military Officers Association of America Maine Chapter, 2nd Vice Commander of the Maine Veteran Coordinating Committee, 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

• Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation

  • Volunteer Bike, kayak, and ski instructor

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

• President, Maine Veterans in Need

On a personal level, married to Mary for 54 years, daughters Kristen (58 - Pharmacist), Keryn (48- teacher); son David (53 - clinical therapist); Grandkids Kaitlyn (36 – special education specialist), Wil (33), Ali (22), Nicky (20), Gregory (18); great-grandkids Alexia (9) and Clementine

“Emmy” (5)