September 19, 2008 - 4:10pm

News

Matthew's campaign manager dead at 29

By Danny Reiter, PolitickerMD.com Reporter

Patrick CitroniThe campaign manager of Republican Richard Matthews died Thursday morning in a motorcycle accident.

The 2nd Congressional District hopeful learned of Patrick J. Citroni's death just 90 minutes before a forum Thursday evening sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Harford County.

But Matthews decided to go through with the debate anyway.

"I found out on the way to the debate. I had stopped the car for about 10 minutes when I spoke with his family. I headed back towards home, and then decided to turn around and do it anyway," wrote Matthews in an email to PolitickerMD.com. "I thought that is what he would have wanted me to do, and I wanted to use the introduction time to speak about him to the audience."

Matthews is currently running against U.S. Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D) for Maryland's 2nd District seat.

Read Matthews' official statement in full below:

"A good man is no longer with us. I regret to inform that my friend, ally and campaign manager, Patrick J. Citroni was struck down in a motorcycle accident yesterday morning. He was on his way to assist with another campaign at their sign waving event, before going to work as a mortgage broker in the morning.

I have only known Patrick for one year, but it feels like he has been my friend for so much longer. He and I met while campaigning during the Presidential primaries. His energy, passion and sincere belief in our cause, was not just boundless, but it was also infectious to everyone surrounding him. At 29 years Patrick had discovered a sincere passion and skill for politics.

You will be dearly missed, and not replaceable my friend. I would say, rest in peace Patrick, but I know his soul does not rest. He will be fighting to make even the world beyond this one a better place."

DANNY REITER is a PolitickerMD.com Reporter and can be reached via email at Daniel.reiter@politicker.com.

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Comments

Patrick

posted by Brett

Once in a great while you meet someone who is such a bright and charismatic person, it is almost blinding. You take note; Wow! I had met Patrick a few times and was genuinely taken aback at his political smarts and energies. In a time of change, Patrick was a leader. I will miss him. My heart goes out to his family and his many friends.

10/01/08 9:52 am

"Freedom" and "Liberty" was

posted by Stephen Wright

"Freedom" and "Liberty" was branded on Patrick's soul.... It brought to mind the following poem:

I’m Free
Author unknown

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God has laid you see. I took His hand when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee
God wanted me now; He set me free.

Sleep well my friend....

09/23/08 10:35 pm

Please be aware

posted by Mell

There are 2 other websites that I know of which mention this and allow for comments. 1 is www.RonPaulforPresident2008.com and another is www.CampaignforLiberty.com . However, please be aware that Campaign for Liberty requires you to register, whereas Ron Paul for President allows you to post anonymously and without hindrance. It is also mentioned on Anne Arundel Maryland Politics, www.AApolitics.us . For your information.

09/22/08 2:45 am

Patrick Citroni

posted by Faith Loudon

Patrick was such a bright star. He always had a smile on his face. Such a sincere person. DEDICATED to getting his candidate elected. Such a loss for our party. My sincere sympathy for his family.
Faith Loudon

09/21/08 10:47 pm

Please do not hijack news like this on other topics

posted by Richard Matthews

Mell,
These comments are not appreciated in the least. We are going though a difficult time in our circle. Posting regarding other topics, plugging websites, or complaints to the editor should be made at other venues. Please respect the gravity and solemn nature of this news.

09/20/08 11:34 pm

It is unfortunate that there

posted by Mell

It is unfortunate that there is no obvious mention of "3rd parties" on this website, and I don't know why they're called that 'cause I'm not satisfied w/ the 2 everybody knows about. Check out www.RonPaulforPresident2008.com, where you may also post comments free of registering. Incidentally, Chuck Baldwin is the closest thing to Ron Paul we have this election cycle, Constitution Party. Don't you want the Constitution followed? If you know Patrick, you know Ron Paul.

09/20/08 10:39 pm

Our hearts and prayers go

posted by The Leslies

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family. A real loss to our world

09/20/08 12:31 pm

I'm gonna miss you man

posted by Jackson Robertson

I am one of Patrick's cousins. Patrick will be greatly missed by the entire family. Everyone in my family greatly loved Patrick. He always had a smile on and would gladly help with anything. Even though I'm only 17, I think I speak for my whole family, Pat was a great man. He will never be forgotten.

09/20/08 12:20 pm

Having known Pat for almost

posted by Candace Anshel Bonnie

Having known Pat for almost 20 years I am so sad to hear about his passing. My thoughts and love to all the family, you will be missed.

09/20/08 10:50 am

Patrick, we'll march on to victory

posted by Rick Saffery

I came to meet Patrick through the Ron Paul primary campaign. He struck me as young man with boundless passion for his beliefs. He also possessed a maturity beyond his years and a sense of humility not often found in those drawn towards politics. He will be missed.

We respectfully extend our condolence and prayers to Patrick's family.

09/20/08 10:15 am

Patrick Citroni

posted by Marianne

Patrick was such a positive person and had such a kind heart. We are so sorry to hear of his death and hope his family and friends find comfort in their memories of such a fine young man.

09/20/08 7:56 am

Patrick Citroni

posted by Mike hargadon

Patrick was a key member of our Strategy Committee. He made this last year and a half fun. He would challenge, encourage, and suggest. He spread confidence in his manner, his eyes, and his smile. He had a great sense of humor, and loyalty. We were fortunate to have had him with us. He and his family are in our prayers.

09/20/08 6:40 am