Tamara M. "Tammy" Patacca

Tamara M. “Tammy” Patacca, 69, of New Philadelphia, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at University Hospitals Cleveland following a brief illness.

Born on July 15, 1956, in Columbus, Ohio, Tammy was the daughter of the late Gene Wallick Sr. and Mary Lee Reese O’Neil Wallick. She was preceded in death by her brother, John O’Neil.

Tammy graduated from Dover High School in 1974. She began her career at Orrville Leather in Strasburg and later retired from the Times Reporter after more than 30 years of dedicated service. In her younger years, Tammy was a proud tomboy who loved playing sports with the boys in the backyard. She went on to play girls varsity sports at Dover High School and continued her athletic passion by playing slow-pitch softball after graduation. She had a green thumb and took great pride in her vegetable garden at Wallick Scrap Metal, generously sharing her harvest with family and friends. A lifelong animal lover, she adored her dachshunds—both named Noodles—and was a devoted caretaker to many stray kittens and cats. Tammy was a passionate sports fan who cheered for the Cleveland Browns, Guardians, Cavaliers, and Notre Dame. Tammy was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She was blessed with a loving and supportive family, dear friends, a “Big Sister” Debbie Goodhart, and special friend Sue Bonaduce.

Tammy is survived by her husband, Richard “Rick” Patacca, whom she married on October 12, 1996. Together they shared 29 beautiful years of marriage, remaining forever best friends and inseparable. Rick was the love of her life. She is also survived by her brother, Douglas O’Neil of Dover; half-siblings Vickie Polilli of Dover, Diane (Ty) Beem of Tuscarawas, Wendy Miller of Dover, Gene “Buddy” (Ann) Wallick Jr. of Strasburg, Rita (Rick) Watson of New Philadelphia, Steve (Brenda) Wallick of Beach City; sisters in law, Linda Patacca, Diane (Dave) Williams both of Dover, and all of their families.Tammy held a special place in her heart for Tony and Louise “NeeNee” Luciani, who were like a second set of parents to her. She also cherished the memory of three remarkable women who deeply influenced her life: great-grandmother Anelina Campo, grandmother Mary “Sweetie” Reese, and Aunt Arlene Reese.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Tammy’s memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 613 N. Tuscarawas Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622, or to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, 1432 Tall Timber Rd NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio.