Clement Anthony Pater III

Clement Anthony Pater III, age 82, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, in Portland, Tennessee. A proud lifelong resident of Hamilton, Ohio, Clement spent his final seven months in Tennessee surrounded by the love and care of his son, Matthew; daughter-in-law, Julie; former wife, Bonnie Siemens; former daughter-in-law, Amy Pater; and granddaughter, Cassidy. Born on October 5, 1942, in Hamilton, Ohio, Clement was the beloved son of Clement Anthony Pater Jr. and Rosemary (née Albers) Pater. He was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church in Hamilton. His faith guided his life and inspired his deep commitment to service and compassion for others. Clement's academic journey began at St. Peter in Chains Elementary and continued at St. Xavier High School, where he graduated in 1960. He went on to earn an AB degree from Xavier University in 1964, followed by an MBA from the same institution in 1966. Driven by a passion for justice and public service, he completed his JD degree at the University of Cincinnati Law School in 1969. For over five decades, Clement practiced law with integrity and dedication alongside his father, brother and nephew at the Pater Law Firm in Hamilton. His legal career spanned 53 years until his retirement in 2022. He was a respected member of both the Butler County and Ohio State Bar Associations. Beyond his professional work, Clement served as a board member for several local organizations including the Butler County Historical Society, Home Federal Savings and Loan Association (formerly), and Senior Citizens of Hamilton. Clement's life was marked by generosity and quiet acts of kindness. A man who gave without seeking recognition, he supported numerous charitable causes throughout his life. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent DePaul Society and actively participated in the Jaycees. He was awarded the title of a Kentucky Colonel, the highest honorary title awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. His commitment to helping others achieve their goals reflected his deeply held values of justice, compassion, and humility. Known affectionately as "Dud" or "Wheels," Clement had a zest for life that touched everyone around him. He had a wide range of interests that brought him joy—matchbook collecting (a passion he pursued for 68 years as a member of the Rathkamp Matchcover Society, or RMS), vintage automobiles, trains, traveling, road trips especially along Route 66, exercising, reading, baseball and umpiring, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends. Despite facing several debilitating health challenges later in life, Clement met each day with courage, humor, dignity, and unwavering kindness. In his final years, he received unconditional love and support from his earthly angel, Judith Clark, and his resilience inspired those who knew him.

Clement is lovingly remembered by his son, Matthew Clement Pater; daughter-in-law, Julie Pater; granddaughter, Cassidy Rose Pater; brother, Gerald Pater; sister-in-law, Susan Pater; nieces, Julie Pater Sheppard (Rick), Lisa Pater Sabourin (David), and Megan Pater Halverson (Damon); Judith Clark; as well as many extended family members and dear friends. He now joins his parents, Clement Anthony Pater Jr. and Rosemary (née Albers) Pater and his uncle, Fr. George Albers in eternal rest.

Clement's legacy is one of love—for family above all else—and steadfast devotion to community service. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire acts of kindness for generations to come.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brown Dawson Flick Funeral Home, 330 Pershing Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45011. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church, 382 Liberty Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio, on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM with celebrant Fr. Richard Walling. Burial will follow at St. Stephen Cemetery. Celebration of Life Reception will immediately follow the services, location to be determined. Condolences may be left at browndawsonflick.com.