Pataky, John T.

U.S. Army Veteran Was Longtime Teacher And Head Coach At McCallie School

  • Wednesday, September 14, 2022
John T. Pataky
John T. Pataky

John T. Pataky, 90, of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, passed away suddenly at his home on Tuesday, September 13, 2022.

Mr. Pataky was a graduate of The McCallie School and Georgia Tech.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and returned to “The Ridge” where he taught all levels of mathematics for 50+ years to “his boys.”  John was a head coach for 46+ years, coaching and mentoring thousands of McCallie boys who remained close to his heart.  He coached Cross Country, Track, Soccer, and Swimming for 106+ athletic seasons.  The Math Center, as well as the McCallie Aquatics Center, are named in his honor. 

Mr. Pataky was preceded in death by his parents, Tibor & Ellen Pataky, first wife, Alice Pataky, “daughter-in-love”, Vickie White, and a precious granddaughter, Ashleigh Lusk.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of “20 glorious years” as he just remarked last week, Debbie Martin Pataky; sister, Mary Haynie of New Hope, PA; nieces & nephews, Karen, Brian, David & Keith; Debbie’s daughter who he loved as his own, Melissa (Jimmy) Bryant; son-in-law, Bill White; grandsons, Robert Lusk, Tripp White, and Rhett White; great-granddaughter, Alyissa Sue.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 2 p.m. at the McCallie School Chapel.

Mr. Pataky will be laid to rest in a private service at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Online expressions of sympathy may be shared at ryanfuneralhome.net.


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