Hopkinton-

Patrick J. Bronder Sr., 85, of Hopkinton died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006, of injuries from a car accident.
He was the husband of Carol Bronder for 50 years. Born in Chicago, son of Klemens and Rozalie (Fatz) Bronder, he moved from Bethesda, Md., to Hopkinton with his family in 1968. He coached Little League baseball, C.C.D., served on the Hopkinton School Committee and stood out in the community for his good humor and clear dedication to personal ideals.

He graduated from Northwestern University and worked for General Electric where his intelligence, dedicated work ethic and outgoing personality aided his successful deployment of major mainframe installations for corporate and Department of Defense clients, including West Point and Naval military colleges. His group was subsequently acquired by Honeywell Corp. where he continued to contribute in various capacities, including senior systems analyst for 25 years. He later worked for Henry L. Hansen Co. Through his retirement Mr. Bronder contributed to community homelessness through his work at Sojourner House in Roxbury where was going when he died. His capacity for joy was infectious and his burning curiosity was inspirational. He loved cooking, dancing, telling stories, solving problems and a good snack. An active fisherman, gardener and avid reader, he was wholly devoted to his family.

A decorated World War II U.S. Army veteran, he served for three years in the South Pacific as a combat medic, and was awarded the Silver Star, Good Conduct Medal and Silver and Bronze Service Stars for his participation in the Asiatic/Pacific Theatre and Philippine Liberation, notably for heroic contributions in Luzon.

Besides his wife, he leaves five children and their spouses, Pamela Bronder-Giroux and Philip, of Malden, Patrick J. Jr. and Debbi Bronder of St. Louis, Thomas and Leslie Collins of Mechanicsburg, Pa., Nancy Bronder and Philip Major of Sutton, N.H., and Michael and Mary Kate Bronder of Andover; and 11 grandchildren, Leo, Luc, Amelia, Justin, Ali, Scott, Eric, Eleanor, Noah, Morrissey and Madeline, who knew him as Pop-Pop.
He was the grandfather of the late Kylene.

A funeral mass will be held Monday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m., at St. Matthew Church in Southborough.
Burial will be in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Hopkinton at a later date.Visiting hours are Sunday, Dec. 17, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Chesmore Funeral Home, 57 Hayden Rowe, Hopkinton. Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sojourner House, 85 Rockland St., Roxbury, MA 02119